Abbeygate Cinema voted one of the best 15 cinemas in the UK

Abbeygate Cinema, in Bury St Edmunds, 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, said: “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”.

BIFA directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace added: “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.”

Steve Hicks, the marketing director at Kia UK Ltd, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Abbeygate Cinema on being selected as one of just 15 cinemas on the longlist for BIFA’s Cinema of the Year award.

“This recognition reflects the dedication, passion and hard work required to champion independent cinema and create meaningful experiences for audiences in your local community.

“At Kia, we are passionate about independent film and the venues that bring it to life.

“Supporting independent cinemas allows us to connect with audiences in a powerful, human way, at the heart of communities across the UK, while celebrating creativity, accessibility and inclusive storytelling.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with BIFA and wish all of the longlisted cinemas the very best of luck as the competition progresses.”