Back to Blogs
Discover
Abbeygate Cinema Celebrates its Centenary
Since 1924, Hatter Street in Bury St Edmunds has been a home for moving images, from the very early days of cinema, right through to the current digital landscape. Abbeygate Cinema is now celebrating its centenary year with an extra special programme of films which takes inspiration from each decade of the past century, commemorating this massive milestone.
From its humble beginnings as a music hall, showing short snippets of moving images, to now holding the biggest screen in town, Abbeygate has been a home for entertainment to the Bury St Edmunds community and holds a special place in the hearts of many residents. The building has seen generations pass through its doors, with life-long patrons now introducing their families, welcoming in a new wave of film lovers.
Much has changed in the past 100 years, projection equipment was digitised in 2010 and expansions to the premise have allowed for three auditoriums and an adjoining restaurant and bar. However, the heart of Abbeygate Cinema remains the same, bringing film and The Arts to its local community whilst providing them with a safe and welcoming home away from home.
From 23 August, the collection of classic films will be screening right through until the final celebration on 09 November. Featuring beloved titles such as The Shawshank Redemption, Bladerunner, Jaws and The Big Lebowski, the schedule also includes unique events and screenings scattered in there too, from audience selections to history tours with the cinema’s longest-running employee, Pat Church.
General Manager, Gareth, had this to say about the momentous occasion, ‘We are delighted to be celebrating 100 years of film on Hatter Street. This is a fantastic opportunity to reminisce and remember all of the amazing connections made here, from first dates, first films for children to lifelong friendships amongst the team- past and present. We start the celebrations with JAWS, a film that means a lot to Pat and with tickets at £1.50, we hope for a full screen to kick things off with a bang.’
He added ‘It has been a hard couple of years for Cinema, but we are delighted to be backed by our wonderful and loyal membership base. Throughout our Centenary celebrations, a member can bring a guest for free to any of these special screenings. We take great pride in being the oldest Cinema in Bury St Edmunds and our close connections to the local community. As well as being a celebration, we are also fundraising for a defibrillator to help keep Hatter Street and wider safe’.
Join in the celebrations and plan your visit at https://www.abbeygatecinema.co...
Related Blogs
News
Spring Season at Bury St…
As the curtains rise on Theatre Royal's…
News
A Tour of Bury St Edmunds &…
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, plugging in…
News
Iconic piece of cinematic…
An incredible screen-used 2nd Ranger Battalion…
News
Bury St Edmunds Comedy…
Get ready for a month of rib-tickling fun and laughter…
News
Unmissable Autumn Events in…
As the dusky summer nights give way to milder evenings…
Latest news
News
Your 2025 Guide to Health, Wellbeing & Wellness
New year is a great time to turn your focus inward and put health and well-being first. Bury St Edmunds and its surrounding areas have so many beautiful outdoor spaces where you can take to nature,…
News
Luke Jerram's Helios Art Installation Coming to National Trust Ickworth
A new artwork of the sun by Luke Jerram will be coming to National Trust Ickworth near Bury St Edmunds in May.
News
Spring Season at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal
As the curtains rise on Theatre Royal's much-anticipated Spring Season 2025, audiences are in for a treat as captivating performances and engaging narratives unfold on their historic stage.
News
A Tour of Bury St Edmunds & Beyond in Podcasts!
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, plugging in your headphones and exploring Bury St Edmunds with a podcast adds an engaging and personal touch to your day.
News
Reasons to Visit Bury St Edmunds and Beyond in 2025
Dinosaurs, witches, food and drink, Star Wars and East Anglian stories are just some of the highlights for 2025 in Bury St Edmunds.
News
More ghostly tours to meet demand
Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides are on track to achieve another record-breaking year with their Ghostly and Macabre walking tours.
News
Iconic piece of cinematic history comes to Bury St Edmunds this winter
An incredible screen-used 2nd Ranger Battalion costume, worn by Tom Hanks (Captain Miller) in ‘Saving Private Ryan’, is going in display at Moyse's Hall Museum this December & January.
News
Festive Winter Walks
Get outside and enjoy the fresh crisp winter air with one of these walks in Bury St Edmunds and Beyond!
News
Bury St Edmunds Crowned the UK’s Most Dog Friendly Town
Dog-lovers have voted Bury St Edmunds the most dog friendly town in the UK.