Cinema set to reopen to audiences

Big screen films are heading back to Wetherby later this month.

Wetherby Cinema put tickets on sale on Monday is going to welcome people back from September 24 after closing due to Covid-19.

Manager Tom King said: “Everyone here at Wetherby Cinema is looking forward to welcoming the community back through our doors.

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“We have been working very hard over the past few months to plan our opening, to ensure it is a safe environment for all our loyal customers and staff.

”We have received a lot of messages of support over the past six months which has been really uplifted and a huge motivation.

Management at the cinema, one of the oldest independents in the UK, said social distancing measures had been put into the seating plan and booking system. As a result there would be reduced capacity and they are reopening behind multiplexes.

Cinemas have various categories and not all exhibitors fit under the same umbrella,” said group marketing and communications manager Georgia Elise.

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“Whilst larger chains and multiplexes have the capacity and flexibly to reopen early, independent and local cinemas had a lot more to consider.

“We have a lot of respect for the Wetherby community and there is a huge level of responsibility to the people and to the cinema itself.

“Wetherby Cinema is one of the oldest running independent cinema’s in the UK and has a very special place in ours and the publics’ hearts.

“Many of us saw our first film at Wetherby so we wanted to open our doors the right way.”

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The management team, which also operates a cinema in Ilkley, said it had planned its return with a blockbuster line-up including Tenet and Bond movie No Time to Die and David Attenborough and National Theatre Live.

“We have some great films and event theatre shows lined up for our audience so we hope to come back with a bang,” added Tom.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response since announcing our reopening, nothing quite comes close to watching a film on the big screen.

“Now that summer is almost over it really is the perfect time to reopen!

“Our autumn line-up is packed, and it’s a great chance to see bold and brave filmmaking with some of the UK’s brightest talent.”