Welcome to Britain’s longest running cinema which has been entertaining film lovers for a staggering 98 years.
The Curzon Picture House opened in Clevedon, Somerset, in 1912 just five days after the sinking of the Titanic.
Since the first matinee show, where all money taken at the box office was donated to survivors of the wreck, the cinema has enjoyed 98 years of continuous business.
The Curzon is now undergoing a £500,000 restoration project partly funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, which has safeguarded its uncertain future.
Cinema manager Gareth Negus has described the historic building, which is Grade-II listed, as ”far more than just a picture house”.
He said: ”We get a lot of people coming for a kind of nostalgia trip but we
also have many regular customers who come here simply to see the latest films.
”They prefer to come to the cinema on their doorstep, rather than driving for
miles to get to a multiplex. This is far more than just a picture house.
”It’s a real piece of social history, and it’s hugely important that we look
after it so future generations can experience the magic enjoyed by cinema-goers
of the era.”
