Armidale’s Belgrave Cinema is preparing to blow out the candles, as the local icon celebrates three decades of bringing laughter, tears and a whole lot of popcorn to the community.
Opening in 1995, the Belgrave Cinema came about after the community lost their two theatres and felt a need to return the big screen to the area.
After showing several shows at the local services club and at the University of New England, the two organisations joined forces to give the people what they wanted: the Belgrave Cinema.
Kieren Dell, CEO and Managing Director Regional Cinemas Australia, has been involved with the cinema for over 12 years, even before taking over ownership back in September, and says the cinema holds a special place in his heart and everyone else’s.
“It’s a cultural touchstone for any town and for a town like Armidale, with the university and the diverse population there, it’s a huge touchstone culturally and from an entertainment point of view and a whole range of things.”
“My son has worked there over the years when he was at university, so, I’ve had a long, long history with it,” said Dell.
“The cinema has seen some big shows like Mamma Mia! And Singling Along and the Marvel’s Avengers, but the beauty of Armidale is that it’s got such a diverse demographic and population that all sorts of movies work there.”
“They’ve also had some hugely successful international film festivals; some art house horror movies have been popular in Armidale. It’s the whole spectrum.”
To mark the occasion, the community is invited to celebrate the 30th this Tuesday, February 18, from 6pm.
Nibbles and drink will be provided, as well as a screening of Four Weddings and a Funeral- which dates back 30 years.
“We had a few 30-year-old movies to choose from, but they thought it’s worth celebrating with that classic movie.”
So, what’s next for the Belgrave Cinema?
“We’re looking forward to the next 30 years, being there for the Armidale community – for those moments, whether it’s the first date, whether it’s the school excursion, taking the kids to the movies in the holidays, all of those touchstone moments that have connected us all,” said Dell.
“We’ll be looking to upgrade the facilities and do a range of things over the next while that people will start to notice.”
And if you can’t make it Tuesday, don’t fret.
The cinema will be here for a long time to come.
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