A FAMOUS Llandrindod Wells venue is marking its 100th birthday by launching an accessible community cinema.
Ah Accessible Cinema held its official launch last weekend at the Albert Hall, on Ithon Road. The new venture has been made possible by support from the National Lottery Community Fund and has been billed as “a cinema for everyone”
“We want to create a relaxing, friendly and affordable environment, by having medium level lighting, quieter sound, low cost tickets and a relaxed environment,” said the Albert Hall in a statement on its website about the new cinema.
“As a community venue, the Albert Hall wants to bring together our community and provide a facility that is not currently offered within the area.”
Ah Accessible Cinema was launched at 2pm on Saturday, July 15, with a short opening ceremony and ribbon cutting followed by a relaxed film screening of Mary Poppins.
“Our cinema will be open to all, but will also be suitable for those with dementia and autism,” said Albert Hall chiefs.
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“By leaving the lights on at a medium level and keeping the sound down lower, this creates a relaxing, warm and friendly environment.
“We recognise the current financial strain on our community and with rising poverty levels cinema is becoming a luxury, rather than a regular treat.
“We want to change this, and so our costs will be kept to a minimum, just enough to keep the equipment running and cover the cost of the film licences.
Llandrindod Wells’ Albert Hall had a visit from Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden and renowned Welsh TV and radio presenter and singer Aled Jones last year.
“We also hope to offer some ‘pay what you can’ films. This is when we do not have a set ticket price, but a sliding scale for what you can afford.
“Everyone is welcome to attend, as we want to bring our community together. Although we will provide a suitable environment for those with autism and dementia, our cinema experience will be relaxing, affordable and friendly for all.”
Some fears have been raised that the new cinema might impact other local arts venues screening films, but venue chiefs insist the local community, and not profits, will drive the project.
“One of the big concerns people have had when we have discussed this project is how we will impact on other cinemas in the area,” continued the Albert Hall statement.
“The Albert Hall’s Ah Accessible Cinema will not always be showing the most recent blockbusters. We will show a variety of films, from family favourites to classics, as well as a variety of festive films for the Christmas season.
“We are also aiming for a different market. We are looking to support the community and bring people together, rather than making a large profit. As a volunteer run venue and charity we don’t have big overheads, and so we only need to cover a small amount of costs.”
They are aiming to keep ticket prices cheap, with entry to the Mary Poppins screening costing just £1.
The iconic Albert Hall was built in 1896 as a church, but was converted into an entertainment venue in 1922.
And though it has endured its ups and downs over the last century, battling the threat of closure and constantly fighting to raise funds, not to mention being closed for over a year in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Albert Hall is thriving as it celebrates its centenary.
On Thursday, July 20, it is putting on a special open day celebration event to mark the occasion.
The anniversary will be marked at 3pm, the exact time it opened its doors 100 years to the day, with the open day then taking place between 4-7pm.
The Albert Hall is a volunteer run venue and the committee is always looking for new faces to join their team. If you’d like to get involved, email hello@accessible-cinema.co.uk or call 0300 102 4255 (option 4).
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