Abbeygate Cinema Voted One Of The Top 15 Best Cinemas in the UK

Abbeygate Cinema has been voted one of the 15 best cinemas in the UK in the British Independent Film Awards’ (BIFA) Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia UK.

Over 70 cinemas entered and nearly 50,000 votes were cast by cinemagoers up and down the UK. The five nominees will be announced on November 3 with the full BIFA nominations, with the winner revealed at the annual ceremony on Sunday, December 6.

Nothing is quite like the communal experience of watching a film on the big screen. This audience-voted BIFA award celebrates exceptional cinemas around the country that are at the heart of their communities, bringing audiences together and spotlighting independent film.

Gareth Boggis at Abbeygate Cinema commented: “It is a great honour to be longlisted, and I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Abbeygate, who make it so special.

"As part of our campaign, we encouraged our regulars to vote and they did just that, and in huge numbers. We had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. There were 117 pages altogether, but I have read everyone, it was so touching to read and quite emotional.

"I am a broken record when I talk about the importance we place on truly being part of our community. We are then so grateful that out community embraces us right back though. This sees us collaborating with local businesses, hosting charity screenings, seeing regular social groups choosing to make us their home and the many regulars who help make Abbeygate great.

"Whilst we would love to win, obviously, it’s great to have got this far. I just really want to thank everyone who voted, everyone who visits and a huge thank you to the brilliant team here who make it a pleasure to lead them”.

With a century of cinema history behind it, the cinema on Hatter Street first opened its doors in 1924 and continues to celebrate the magic of the big screen. It has retained its 35mm projector, allowing films to be shown in their original format, alongside a state-of-the-art 4K laser projector in the Premier Screen.

The cinema experience extends beyond the screen, with its on-site restaurant, No. 4, offering film-inspired food experiences through its Discover and Dine events. These include special pairings such as French films accompanied by French food, bringing together the best of cinema and dining.

There is also much more on offer than mainstream cinema. Regular arthouse Discover screenings sit alongside classic films and a varied programme of arts screenings, including performances from the Royal Ballet and Opera, the National Theatre and live concerts on the big screen. It means audiences can enjoy world-class cultural performances without having to travel to London.

Community is at the heart of the cinema, which works with local organisations and businesses to create unique experiences for audiences. Collaborations include film adaptations of books screened as part of Bury Lit Festival, charity screenings with the Rotary Club and Cinema Nights with Krazy Horse.

The cinema is also committed to making film accessible and welcoming to a wide range of audiences. Its programme includes weekly captioned screenings, relaxed screenings, parents-and-baby screenings and, of course, dog-friendly screenings, ensuring there is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy a trip to the cinema.

BIFA directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace said: “Tens of thousands of audience members voted and told us how much their local cinemas mean to them. Congratulations to Abbeygate Cinema for making it - this longlist for Cinema of the Year supported by Kia is a fantastic showcase of the exceptional cinemas up and down the UK that are - in the words of one voter - what community feels like.”

To see what's on at Abbeygate Cinema on your next visit to Bury St Edmunds visit the Abbeygate Cinema website.