Liverpool Lighthouse is now once again to open as a community cinema after meeting the target of more than £25,000 to buy state-of-the-art equipment that is set to transform the auditorium into an authentic cinema experience. The money was raised through Spacehive, a crowdfunding platform for ideas that bring local spaces to life – the world’s first civic crowdfunding platform.
The building was previously a Gaumont cinema, dating from 1931. Andy Brown’s grandfather, Charlie brown, opened and managed the original, art deco cinema, a modern icon of its time and Andy exclaims the joy his grandfather would have had, to know it is still alive as a cinema and serving its community.
Andy Brown, grandson of Charlie Brown said: “You are doing what Charlie Brown did back then, the cinema was more than the experience of seeing films, it was supporting the community, going out into the community and bringing entertainment to the community of Anfield. He would have been very proud to know that his legacy is still living on.”
Community support for restoring cinema screenings to the building has been overwhelming, with older community members wanting their grandchildren to experience the joys of cinema that they remember from visiting Liverpool Lighthouse in their youth.
Rebecca Ross-Williams (89), the new Creative Director of Liverpool Lighthouse said: “We are so fortunate that our venue can once again bring the joy of film to our local communities through a community cinema at Liverpool Lighthouse. It provides an opportunity for local people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in shared experiences which aim to promote happiness – which let’s face it’s much needed. Just to think 90 years later the doors are opening for cinema again!”
Spacehive brings together people, organisations, governments and foundations to collaboratively fund projects that communities want: everything from spruced up playgrounds and new street markets, to pocket green spaces and community centres.
The restoration of Liverpool Lighthouse involved installing a 10 metre Cine Pro electrical screen along with giving the venue that extra vintage feel back by adding to the Art Deco that has remained preserved such as bringing the historical box office back to life, installing popcorn makers, candyfloss trollies and lighting up the venue outside with a retro ‘now showing’ sign. The older generation can come and re-experience the past and the younger generation can uncover the history of Liverpool Lighthouse.
The former Gaumont cinema will no longer be a memory of the past, screenings will be on a regular basis for the community from much loved classics to independent screenings, at an affordable price for all. Liverpool Lighthouse hopes to start screenings from the end of 2021.
The history of Liverpool Lighthouse as a Gaumont Cinema along with the fond memories from people within the community is something that Liverpool Lighthouse want to ignite once more. Liverpool Lighthouse is a charity, a community hub for North Liverpool that focuses on reducing isolation, developing skills, engagement within the arts and community cohesion. Liverpool Lighthouse is home to recording studios, workshop rooms and a café where families, younger & older generations get together to take part in events and activities.
The venue is also home to a 430 seated auditorium where theatre, dance and music shows take place. However, North Liverpool is lacking a community cinema, at present people have to travel into the centre of the city along with paying a high price for film & this simply isn’t possible for everyone particularly within this current climate.
Film unites people, helps develop social skills, relieves stress and anxiety and inspires family and friends to come together along with encouraging new kinships too. There are no cinemas locally and therefore many are excluded from reaping the benefits of film and Liverpool Lighthouse want to change this. In an area that is both economically and culturally classified deprived, supporting such a project will result in creation of jobs and volunteering opportunities for the community too.
For updates visit www.liverpoollighthouse.com and follow Liverpool Lighthouse on Facebook.