I was very pleased this week to visit Woolton Picture House, which first opened its doors on Mason Street on Boxing Day in 1927. Although it closed its doors in 2021 there is now an ambitious plan to re-open as Woolton Community Cinema, with a fundraising campaign and a full programme of Christmas movies running from December 12^th to the 24^th.

I met Rachael and Iain Christie, who are central to the campaign. It had long been Rachael’s dream to open an independent cinema and, living just up the road, this seemed a great opportunity to bring it back as a community asset. They are looking to raise £700,000 by May next year, and they are well on their way at over £260,000 pledged so far. This includes a very generous £100,000 donation from local company Crampton’s. If they don’t hit their target by next May every penny will be returned to donors, though they are confident that instead the doors will open properly on Boxing Day 2027 for the 100^th anniversary.

The plan is to also offer the space to local community groups and charities to increase social inclusion locally. They will be offering a range of special screenings including autism-friendly, OAP, warm space and baby-friendly showings.

You can donate to the campaign at the address below, as well as purchase tickets to one of their 39 showings of classic Christmas movies including It’s A Wonderful Life, Elf and the classic Alistair-Sim Scrooge from 1951. The season begins with White Christmas, but you may have to be quick grabbing tickets as 22 have already sold out, with extra seats made available.

For more information or Christmas season tickets please visit www.wooltoncinema.com.