Regal Cinema will be all lit-up with new neon sign (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Regal Cinema will be all lit-up with new neon sign

5:04pm Wednesday 13th June 2012 in News

FOR the first time in more than 30 years, the Regal Cinema in Tenbury can see its name in lights as a new illuminated art deco sign sits atop the cinema’s canopy.

This marks the fastapproaching end of the £800k restoration works supported by Heritage Lottery Fund at the art deco cinema.

Completion of the exterior lighting and some internal fixtures and fittings will be achieved within the next couple of weeks.

The town council will then begin preparations for the heritage relaunch of the cinema in late July, exactly 75 years after the original opening of the Regal in 1937.

After the 75th anniversary party other activates continue before the venue is handed over to a trust that will take over the day to day running of the Regal from September.

Celebrations start with a 1930s Gala Evening on Saturday, July 28.

Live swing music will be provided by local Naomi Payne’s Hoity Toity band and tickets also include a film showing of The Artist on the Regal’s 35mm projector, a selection of appetisers, a souvenir photograph and a reception drink.

Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the era.

One fifth of the available seats will be allocated via a free draw to be held on July 16. Forms for those wishing to be included in the draw are available from the Pump Rooms.

Families are invited to the Regal’s 75th Birthday Party on the afternoon of Sunday, July 29, where a showing of Bugsy Malone, party games and birthday cake will all be included.

For those interested in the history of the Regal and the restoration project, free guided tours will be available on weekdays and weekends, with pre-booking essential.

“We’re very excited to be sharing the restored cinema with everyone,”

says Sarah Fellows, Regal heritage access officer. “With a range of activities planned for the summer, there really is something for everyone.

à Remaining tickets for The Artist are priced at £25 (£20 concessions), but any tickets booked before the end of June will receive an additional £5 discount.

à Tickets for Bugsy Malone are £10 each, with a special family ticket for up to five people available for £30.

à CineMonkeys, the Regal’s family film club, will be launching in August.

Craft workshops and games accompany showings of popular films including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The Lion King. Film tickets will be £6 adults and £4 children, with an extra £1 materials charge for some craft activities.

Tickets go on sale from next Monday (June 18) and the full summer programme is available on the HLF project blog at RegalTenburyHLF.blogspot.

com/p/opening-events.html.