Northern Ireland’s oldest cinema looks forward to new eraBy Rebecca Black, PAThe long history of Belfast’s oldest remaining cinema will be celebrated as it looks forward to its future. Now a £6.5 million redevelopment will see three screens upgraded and a cafe added, as well as a museum aspect to celebrate is history. He was 12 years old and recalls watching the cinema being built before watching Bright Eyes on the opening night. Ms Hickey said the Strand opened at a boom time for cinemas, and was followed by the Astoria in nearby Ballyhackamore in 1936. The building will close in February and is expected to reopen in mid-2025, in time to mark the Strand’s 90th birthday.

Source: Irish Independent January 02, 2024 14:35 UTC