Penrith's historic Alhambra cinema has months to save itself

It's at risk of closure if they don't get more people through the door.

Author: Joseph GartlyPublished 30th Mar 2023

An historic cinema in the centre of Penrith is at risk of closing it's shutters for good, unless it can get more people through it's doors.

Rising costs and a drop in people using the business in recent months have left the cinema in an unsustainable position, that can only continue in this way until June.

To try and counter-act the drop in numbers the cinema is now offering 5 pound cinema tickets, as well as discounts on the snacks.

Manager Batt Bainbridge said: "People are having to really consider what they're spending their money on at the minute and I think that's having a really detrimental affect on a lot of businesses, not only ourselves. A lot of independent businesses really need the support of the local community to keep going.

"In April we're trialling a drop in ticket prices, so all of our tickets for all films except for event cinema and national theatre, tickets will be £5. For all ages that is, doesn't matter if it's a child ticket or concession.

"The cinema has been around for 113 years, or the building has anyway, but it's been a cinema since the early days, and we are in the heart of Penrith."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.