ORGANISERS of a popular community cinema have expressed their frustrations after they were forced to take another hiatus following the extension of Covid-19 passes in Wales.

Llanfyllin Film confirmed their final screening took place on Sunday ahead of the Welsh Government’s law coming into force at midnight that day.

The extension now affects cinemas, theatres and concert halls, and means it is legally required to gain entry to those venues. It follows the introduction of passes for large-scale events and nightclubs last month.

A spokesperson for Llanfyllin Film took to Facebook on Monday to explain the situation, which comes just five weeks after the group returned with the excitement of a new venue, new day and new time.

They said: “The 9th was our last film for a while as the Welsh Government have made it compulsory to show a Covid pass to get into cinemas, even tiny ones like ours from today.

“We are gutted, we were just starting to enjoy films again.

“We will be keeping an eye on the situation and as soon as we can we will be trying again.

“Please keep in touch.”

Ministers voted to extend the pass scheme last Tuesday as case rates remained high across Wales.

The group had made the “difficult decision” to cancel its summer film programme – the first since lockdown more than 12 months before – due to low attendance figures in July before returning on October 10 with the autumn programme.

There were some restrictions due to Covid-19, plus social distancing and no refreshments allowing people to bring their own if they wanted.