Lynton's first cinema, the "Picturedrome", opened in the Foresters' Hall in 1916 and showed silent movies until 1930. With the advent of talking pictures the location if the cinema moved to the former Congregational Church and became known as the "B.B. cinema".
When the owner Major Blackhurst died in 1961, the cinema closed and the property was sold off for £2950. Thereafter films were screened for many years on a part-time basis at Lynton Town Hall.
Lynton Cinema
This was far from ideal and it was
felt that the only way forward,
would be to have a seven-day a w
eek operation showing up to
date film's in its own premises.
In 1999 the Methodist Chapel in Lee Road closed and was
purchased by North Devon District Council.The Council offered part of the grade 2 listed building as a venue for a new cinema. Money was raised through obtaining various grants and the sponsoring of seats and equipment. After months of hard work, by dedicated groups of people, the Lynton cinema finally opened its doors on Friday the 1st June 2001 with the film Bridget Jones Diary.
The cinema has a seating capacity of about 70, creating a unique intimate atmosphere. The auditorium is centrally heated and air conditioned.The cinema is one of very few in the West Country to have full digital surround sound. It screens the latest films approximately two weeks after their first release date. One feature of Lynton cinema is the comfortable seating and the very generous amount of leg room. Lynton's cinema is a huge achievement to all those involved and well worth a visit.
The Lynton & Lynmouth Story
This 30 minute production, using rare and unique film footage, old photographs and newly filmed material tells the history of the twin villages over the past 150 years. It includes: the life and times of the inhabitants and early travellers, the making of the Cliff Railway, a historic lifeboat rescue, a journey on the Barnstaple to Lynton Railway, wonderful 65 year old colour
film of Lynmouth between the wars, the 1952 flood, the life of Sir George Newnes, Paddle Steamers in the Bristol Channel, water power to generate electricity and lots more-Shown on the big screen in the cinema during the day at times displayed outside the Tourist Office,Town Hall Lynton.
Adults £1.50 and children 50p.
Telephone bookings: 01598 753243
www.lyntoncinema.co.uk
Film and TV locations
Contributed by: Sue Lincoln |
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