A new era of film in Billericay began last night as @BillericayCine had its first official opening night!
Twinkling lights and a red carpet welcomed the first guests to Billericay Community Cinema’s Grand Opening show last night (Thursday 25th October). Bookshelves and tables were pulled back and comfortable chairs laid out. While on a huge screen, (2.25 metres by 3.6 metres) guests watched enthralled, as the 1984 classic film Ghostbusters played out on the screen.
Billericay Community Cinema goers were welcomed by local jazz musicians Nimrod Margalit (flute, sax) and Kevin Pollard (guitar) and were able to tuck into locally produced Billericay Brewing Company beer, wine and soft drinks, chocolate and sweets, and freshly-made popcorn .
As part of a focus on community, @BillericayCine showcases a local charity at each show. This month guests learnt about the work of local charity Brighter Opportunities through Supported Play.
The evening was a sell-out success with all but one of the 50 tickets sold! Guest on the evening were gushing with praise and complimented the “lovely atmosphere, great sound system and screen”, and the “wonderful display of community spirit”.
Councillor Kay Twitchen, Deputy Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Libraries, Planning and the Environment, as well as being a representative for Billericay on Essex County Council, said of @BillericayCine: “This is a fun initiative and I’m sure @BillericayCine will be hugely successful. There is nothing like it in Billericay and the big town cinemas are very difficult to get to. I’m very excited as @BillericayCine is using the library space for a real community enterprise”.
Adam Adshead, Chairman of @BillericayCine said “Thank you to every volunteer who came along tonight to make our Grand Opening a success. Likewise, a huge “Thank you” to everyone who came along to watch Ghostbusters, to Brighter Opportunities through Supported Play (BOSP) for hosting their stall, to our fabulous jazz musicians for entertaining us, to the staff from Billericay Library and everyone else involved. For me THIS is what Community is all about.”.
Emma Neppl, Publicity Officer said “Last night was a triumph. We have a huge community following and an army of volunteers all of whom have made @BillericayCine the tremendous success it is. We’ve got some great films coming up book your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss out!”
FILM SCHEDULE
Thursday Shows – doors open at 7pm, film starts 7.30pm
12/11 : Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
10/12 : It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
14/01 : Hairspray (2007)
18/02 : Casablanca (1942)
Family Sunday – doors open at 2.30pm, film starts 3pm
25/10 : Paddington (2014) – PG
22/11 : Night at the Museum (2006) – PG
13/12 : Elf (2003) – PG
31/01 : How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2013) – PG
28/02 : Babe (1995) – U
27/03 : Annie (2014) – PG
