Abbeygate Cinema set to celebrate its centenary year with series of nostalgic films

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 Cinema 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 Friday, August 23, the collection of classic films will be screening right through until the final celebration on Saturday, November 9.

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 Boggis, 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.

“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.”