MOVIE-lovers in Marlborough don’t have long to wait before the town’s new cinema opens its doors.

The new Parade Cinema is getting ready to screen its first film, Paw Patrol: The Movie, at 11am on Saturday.

David Williams, 39 cinema manager, said: “Opening a new cinema in Marlborough is an incredible opportunity, in the heart of such a vibrant and enthusiastic community. I cannot wait to open the doors in September and welcome everyone.

“We hope the cinema will be enjoyed by everyone – it’s a great place to meet with family and friends and our bar and café area will be open every day until late, serving food, drinks and snacks.”

It is 50 years, almost to the day, since the last cinema in Marlborough closed its doors for the final time – showing Arthur Lowe in Dad’s Army.

The new Parade Cinema has been opened with input from the local community who bought shares in the new venture and raised £1.5 million towards the £3m project.

It now has a membership of 450 and will employ 17 staff who have spent the past few days being trained.

The cinema will be open seven days a week showing a wide range of films for all audiences including the eagerly-awaited new James Bond blockbuster No Time To Die from September 30.

It has been built inside the former United Reformed Chapel in The Parade, which the owners purchased in 2017, and the adjoining Manse. They have been completely renovated and turned into a small, independent cinema with catering and entertaining facilities.

The cinema will house a state-of-the-art single-screen auditorium with 106 seats, including a balcony level. The Manse next door has been transformed into a bar and café with a seating area and a great place to gather.

In time, this space has the potential to be converted into a 48- cover restaurant serving fresh, seasonal and delicious food.

Mr Williams added: “Our auditorium will feature laser projection, full surround sound and comfortable armchair style seats, complimented by double seats in the back row of both the stalls and balcony.”

“The equipment specification and installation has been expertly handled by the team at Vivid Audio Visual.

“Alongside the main attraction of the auditorium, we will have fantastic outdoor and indoor spaces for a catch up with friends over food and drink.

“Our bar will serve a broad range of local beers, wines, soft drinks and snacks, as well as delicious freshly prepared food in our café.”

Two types of membership are available to film-lovers, giving discounts, benefits, and free tickets. And if you’d like to be part of the cinema’s history there are still a few auditorium seats left to sponsor.

To book tickets, go to www.theparadecinema.com