Scott Cinemas announces opening date for Northgate Yard

The announcement was made after the cinema chain permanently closed the doors of its Penel Orlieu venue for the last time on Thursday, September 29.

Hundreds of customers enjoyed one last visit to the cinema last week. 

The cinema opened in 1936 and previously housed Odeon and Classic Cinemas. It has been operated by Scott Cinemas since 1983. 

Customers queue outside the Penel Orlieu cinema on its final night (left). Staff members stand outside the front doors (right). Picture: Scott Cinemas (Image: Scott Cinemas)

Cinema manager Zak Tucker, who was on duty on closing night, said: “It has undoubtedly been a sad occasion to close the cinema for the final time and thank you for all the support the cinema has had over many years.

“It has been great to hear so many stories in recent weeks about favourite films and memories made at the cinema and just how many people had their first cinema visit here, we now look forward to creating new memories and first cinema visits at the new cinema.

“I’d like to thank all the team at the cinema for their hard work over many years, we all can’t wait to get going now in the Northgate Yard cinema which is looking fantastic and I’m sure will be a great asset for the town and the surrounding area.”

The new cinema will open on Friday, October 21. Picture: Steve Richardson (Image: Steve Richardson)

The new seven-screen cinema at Northgate Yard has been built in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council. 

The cinema will be the first part of the development to open, with a bowling alley and dining hub due to be unveiled in the coming months. 

The cinema features the latest cinema technology and two screens with Dolby Atmos, which creates a “more realistic and immersive audio experience”.

It will showcase the latest blockbusters as part of a varied programme that will include Royal Opera House and National Theatre showings, plus one-off screenings.