SCOTLAND’S first purpose-built cinema is about to mark its 100th birthday.
The Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness will kick off celebrations in March this year, with a special day for the local community – followed by a three-day silent film festival.
Other events are planned later this year.
A new website www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/hippodrome100 is set to go live tomorrow (Friday) – and postcards featuring text like the panels below will be distributed to the cinema and local outlets.
The Bo’ness Journal is also getting in on the celebrations, running a special competition. Details are in the paper tomorrow (Friday).
Bo’ness Labour Councillor Adrian Mahoney, who helped re-launch the Hippodrome in April 2009, said: “The Hippodrome has been a great success since it re-launched in 2009 after a £2 million restoration. This wonderful little building offers all the glamour of an old-fashioned movie theatre, with all the comfort (and technology) of a 21st century cinema.
"It’s amazing to think that a building conceived 100 years ago, at the dawn of movie making, is still fit for purpose today. In fact, for some of our patrons – myself included – it’s their favourite cinema.
"To celebrate the 100th anniversary, Falkirk Community Trust with the support of Falkirk Council and their partners are planning a packed programme of celebrations to mark this special milestone in the Hippodrome’s story.
"We hope local people – and those from further afield – will enjoy a series of special events and screenings. And we hope that film fans will continue to come to the Hippodrome for many years to come.”
