Chorley Empire Cinema, building communities for over 100 years

At a recent gala celebrating a century of community cinema with Cinema for All, Chorley’s Empire Community Cinema scooped an award recognising its important role in the community.

The cinema, based at Chorley Theatre, won the Community Building Award at the Film Society of the Year Awards, for bringing people together through screenings, special events and projects.

The award was presented to Ian Robinson and Estelle Bryers from Chorley Empire Cinema and Chorley Theatre by Radio 1 film critic Rhianna Dhillon and Cinema For All CEO Jaq Chell.

The venue is one of the oldest purpose-built continuously operating cinemas in the country (possibly in the world) and is certainly a key part of the community in Chorley, creating moments that people can enjoy together.

The cinema regularly shows screenings of classic films, as well as marking special events so the community can come together to mark special occasions such as their VE Day screening of ‘A Matter of life and Death’.  Special projects have included creation of a heritage cinema map and the distribution of DVD packs during lockdowns (as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic) meaning people could still get their film fix from their local cinema.

Ian Robinson of Chorley Theatre: “The community is at the heart of the Empire Cinema and it’s long been part of the town’s fabric, providing a space for entertainment and for people to come together, so we are absolutely delighted to have received this award.

“The cinema brings a traditional feel differing from your usual modern-day cinema, which is part of its charm. We’ve got lots of screenings and shows scheduled so please take a look on the website.”

The cinema, formerly Chorley Film Society, is based at Chorley Theatre and was originally opened as the Empire Picture House in 1910 before Chorley Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society (CADOS) taking over in 1960, with showings of alternative films in the 1960s and 70s and continues to show films today.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council said “What a fantastic achievement for Chorley’s Empire Cinema – congratulations to all those who continue to make it a great place for the community.

‘’Not only are the cinema and theatre a fabulous entertainment venue for Chorley, but they’re also part of the town’s heritage which we’re proud to have here in Chorley.

“If you haven’t visited Chorley’s Empire Community Cinema or Chorley Theatre, take a look on their website to see what’s on – there’s something for everyone all year round.”