Following the incredible success and positive feedback from last year’s mobile cinema experience, Newmarket Charitable Foundation and West Suffolk District Council are thrilled to announce that our town’s long-awaited dream of having its own Cinema is finally becoming a reality.
For the last year, the charity has been working hard behind the scenes to facilitate a partnership approach to overcoming all obstacles along the way! Now, thanks to the generous backing of Abbeygate Cinema and our local theatre group NOMADS (Newmarket Operatic, Musical & Dramatic Society), Newmarket Cinema is set to open its doors this Spring at the Kings Theatre in Newmarket, featuring the screening of the blockbusters Dune 2, and Wicked Little Letters. This will launch a programme of both recent and new releases with evening and matinee screenings from Wednesday to Sunday most weeks.
Sarah Howard, Chair of Trustees, speaking on behalf of Newmarket Charitable Foundation, said: “We are delighted to take this pivotal step toward fulfilling the community’s desire for a cinema. Utilising the King’s Theatre as our venue, made possible through the support of NOMADS, ensures access to an accessible mid-town venue. Abbeygate Cinemas have been hugely supportive in helping our team bring this project to fruition, and we look forward to sharing the latest films and blockbusters.”
Lyn Goleby, Director at Abbeygate Cinema, Bury St Edmunds, commented, “We are delighted to contribute to this project, which will enhance entertainment options for Newmarket residents. We are committed to delivering quality film experiences in Bury, and we look forward to bringing Cinema and satellite theatre and arts programming events from around the world to Kings Theatre.”
Jamie Maguire, Chairman of NOMADS, added, “While we will maintain our calendar of theatre events, we are excited to be part of this brilliant initiative. The establishment of a cinema in Newmarket has long been discussed, and we are honoured to see our much-loved theatre being used to help bring the project to fruition.”
Josh Schunmann, Director of Newmarket Charitable Foundation, added: “We are keen to make the Cinema as accessible as possible, so we will offer discounted tickets for children and families in hardship. The new Cinema has high-quality sound and projection equipment to ensure a truly cinematic experience, with a kiosk offering food and drinks to create that memorable evening.”
Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, West Suffolk Council Cabinet Member for Growth, said: “Working together with partners to bring cinema to Newmarket has been and continues to be a long-term goal of West Suffolk Council and we are delighted that a community led solution has been achieved. Our £35,000 grant, part of the Council’s allocation from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, will help buy equipment needed to run the latest releases and create a fund supporting reduced price entry for those who would normally be prevented from going due to cost of living pressures.”
The Cinema will bring popular films to Newmarket and the surrounding communities on their release date with showings for families, young people, and adults alike. The Newmarket Charitable Foundation will continue to collaborate closely with The Jockey Club to explore the potential of Subscription Rooms becoming the home of any future Cinema and entertainment venue.
The Cinema will be launching a membership programme with opening events, ticket discounts and partnership offers and invites you to its launch pages www.kingscinema.co.uk/membership for regular updates on the progress of the project and its opening date.
Partners include Abbeygate Cinemas, Nomads and West Suffolk Council. Newmarket Town Council and Suffolk County Council have kindly supported the Cinema.
Image: Marion Hadley, Treasurer, Newmarket Nomads, Josh Schunmann, Director, Newmarket Charitable Foundation, Pat Church, Heritage and Events Manager, Abbeygate Cinema, Julian Lloyd-Potts, Film and Technology Manager, Abbeygate Cinema, Jamie Maguire, Chair, Newmarket Nomads
