The aim of the Going to the Pictures Project has been to help preserve a part of our local cinema heritage by collecting and recording memories from people who used and worked in the local picture houses from the 1930′s to the 1960′s.
Explore this map of 21 local cinemas within a 3 mile radius of the Plaza, from 1930 to 1960.
This is a scanned copy of a flyer that was handed out in cinemas to advertising forthcoming films.
The cinema memories we have recorded through the project have helped to create a short film which gives a glimpse into what Going to the Pictures was like from the 30′s to the 60′s.
My first memory of the pictures is coming to the Plaza to see ‘Oliver’.
The Electric Picture Palace – this image is a coloured postcard showing the old picture house and how Bridge road looked c.1911
At one time many cinemas were not allowed to open on a Sunday and those which did had several restrictions placed upon them.
The Regal was built as a purpose built cinema and opened 1939. With a white frontage, the sail shape building was a very popular venue especially with courting couples who remember the double ‘Love Seats’
The role that cinema has played in modern society cannot be underestimated. Films have helped to form fashions, fads and opinions, offered views and educated and entertained the masses, whilst providing a place to escape the reality of life.