Parkway Cinema Workington officially opened at gala event

Civic dignitaries and invited guests gathered at an event on Tuesday evening to mark the opening of Parkway Cinema at Dunmail Park in Workington.

The cinema has undergone a full £4million-plus ‘back-to-brick’ refurbishment, which features luxury leather recliners throughout, six-screens, 4K laser projection and 3D, Dolby surround sound.

Dedicated private hire areas for kids’ parties, private family events and full conference facilities are also available, alongside a new food and drink offer with cocktails in the evenings and brunch during the day.

READ MORE: Finishing touches made to Parkway Cinema Workington ahead of opening

Denise Rollo, mayor of Workington, cut the ribbon to officially declare the new cinema open.

She said: “It’s absolutely amazing. I’m really pleased with what they have done. It’s fresh. It’s something different. The seats are amazing.

“I’m really chuffed that Parkway have put the investment into Workington. It has been a huge investment and it’s really going to pay off. It’s what we need.”

Richard Parkes, director of Parkway Cinemas, said: “We are delighted to finally be able to open our doors. We have been designing it in our minds for months and months.

“To see it finished and opened and seeing everyone enjoying themselves – it’s everything we want it to be. We are just really excited. It’s just really nice to see people sitting in the seats having a good time.”

The first audience to enjoy a screening at Parkway Cinema Workington (Image: Newsquest)

Donald Dixon, owner of Dunmail Park, said: “We are delighted with the way it’s turned out. It’s even better than we expected. The architects have done an excellent job. We’re very happy with everything.”

Magnus Dixon, 12, grandson of Mr Dixon, said: “It’s good. I’m looking forward to visiting. I like going to the cinema. I will enjoy having a cinema back locally.

“It’s always nice to see an action film on a big screen. All my friends at school are looking forward to it, especially Aaron and Harrison.”

The first film to be shown is the big new family-film, Shazam 2: Fury of the Gods.

There will also be screenings of the latest Marvel blockbuster, Ant-Man, and Avatar 2 in 3D, along with other new releases including 65 and Creed 3.

Parkway is offering ‘Senior Screens’ every Tuesday, with a choice of new films and classics aimed at an older audience for a reduced price.

A weekend kids' club, ‘Little Penguins’ will offer older releases at a reduced price at weekends during school term-time. There will be dementia-friendly and autism-friendly screenings and subtitled screenings available too.

The cinema will be fully open to the public from Friday, March 17. Tickets are on sale now.

READ MORE: Opening date for Parkway Cinema Workington revealed

READ MORE: Newly-refurbished cinema to open soon with a fresh look and private screen hire