Liverpool Lighthouse cinema opens following successful £25,000 crowdfunding revamp

An Anfield arts centre has been transformed into a new community cinema after reaching a £25,000 fundraising target.

Liverpool Lighthouse, a community hub for North Liverpool, is home to a 430-seat auditorium and was once the Gaumont Palace cinema when it first opened in 1931.

The cinema is to show 35 screenings a year “from much loved classics to independent films”.

The money was raised through crowdfunding platform Spacehive and has allowed the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment.

The venue still has original features and the historical box office will be back in use, retro popcorn makers have also been installed.

The building has been used for various things over the years including a DIY hardware store before being converted into a music and arts centre, known as Liverpool Lighthouse in 1998.

The auditorium will be available to hire and will create a number of new jobs in the area.

Legacy

Charlie Brown opened and managed the original art deco cinema and his grandson Andy has expressed his delight at the new venture.

“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,” Mr Brown said.

Rejuvenation

Creative Director of Liverpool Lighthouse, Rebecca Ross-Williams, 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.”

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