Sudbury needs its own permanent cinema, says business champion

A town centre business leader has reignited calls for Sudbury to have its own permanent cinema.

Penny Wilby, who runs The Best of Sudbury business support group, made the appeal after the success of the portable cinema which has visited the town in the last six months.

The Incredible Moving Cinema, by Abbeygate Cinema, was arranged by Sudbury Town Council.

It was warmly received, with sell-out shows.

Mrs Wilby is now calling for a permanent cinema in the town, which she feels would be well used.

“There are people who say cinemas aren’t so popular any more, with the likes of Netflix and streaming, but the portable cinema shows that people do still enjoy the experience, and all praise to the town council for arranging it.

“Alongside other attractions such as the arts centre and Gainsborough House, it would be a great asset.

“Somewhere like the old Winch and Blatch building on Market Hill could be a good place for it.”

A cinema has previously been planned for the town, only for the plans to fall through.

The town council is currently running a survey asking for feedback on the Moving Cinema experience on its social media and wants to make it a regular feature.

“All I have heard is that people loved it and now we have the proof that going to the cinema is still enjoyed,” added Mrs Wilby.

“I think a permanent cinema has a lot of potential. Bury St Edmunds has now got three cinemas, so why can’t we have one.”

You can take part on the Moving Cinema survey here.

Do you think Sudbury should have a permanent cinema?