Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds set to reopen with new films this week

Suffolk's position in Covid-19 Tier 2 is good news for Abbeygate Cinema, which is set to reopen this week with new films.

The independent cinema in Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, put several big releases for viewing on its website during the second lockdown - which forced screens to close.

But film fans are now set to return to the auditorium - which has become the only cinema in Bury after Cineworld temporarily closed its doors nationwide due to falling takings due to the coronavirus.

Andrea Holmes, marketing manager at Abbeygate, said: "We are disappointed to find our region has been placed in Tier 2.

"However, we are confident that the number of Covid safety measures we have in place which have been tried and tested prior to the recent lockdown, will continue to build customer confidence and reassure cinema-goers that they can visit us safe in the knowledge that their safety is paramount.

"We look forward to opening our doors and welcoming our lovely customers once more."

This week, the cinema will be screening: Mank, an biographical drama starring Gary Oldman; Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, starring Denzel Washington alongside the late Chadwick Boseman in his final film; and The Prom, a comedy musical starring Meryl Streep, James Corden, and Nicole Kidman.

Under new guidelines, cinemas can open in Tier 2 before the 11pm curfew, although films still showing beyond that hour can conclude.

Abbeygate has been putting measures inplace to decrease the spread including social distancing in auditoriums, required wearing of masks, and separate exits and entrances.

Ms Holmes said the same measures taken before will be continued.

She added: "We will also be launching our new ‘order at table’ facility for diners at No.4 Restaurant & Bar. Currently practicing full table service, this new addition will mean diners will have the additional option of placing their orders via an app."

Abbeygate has been screening A Christmas Gift From Bob and a 2020 adaption of A Christmas Carol online as well as festive classic It's a Wonderful Life, and Katherine Jenkins's Christmas Spectacular.

Their December cinema offering will also include theatre productions shown on screen.

- Cineworld has secured £560million in financial lifelines to help it through the pandemic.

The company, the world's second largest cinema chain, has also secured rent reductions.

Click here for more business news.