Blackwood cinema “back in business” on August 3

Blackwood’s Maxime Cinema is set to reopen its doors for the first time in more than four months on Monday, August 3.

While indoor cinemas in Wales will be able to reopen from Monday, July 27, food and drink cannot be sold to customers under current restrictions.

That puts Blackwood’s cinema in an awkward business position. Unlike the big chains, the independently-owned Maxime only charges £3.50 admission and relies on revenue from food and drink sales.

Concerns had been raised that the cinema, which had initially planned to open before the end of July, may not have been able to reopen if it couldn’t sell food and drink.

However, the cinema’s confirmed reopening date coincides with the reopening of indoor pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes in Wales on August 3.

Steven Reynolds MBE, director of owners Picturedrome, has said he expects the cinema will be able to sell food and drink upon reopening.

Mr Reynolds, who was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to the UK cinema industry, told Caerphilly Observer: “Blackwood Cinema is back in business.

“We’ll be showing the film Unhinged with Russell Crowe, as well as big family films. We also have Mulan and Tenet coming out in August.

The Maxime, which employs 37 staff, reopened in 2014 after a £1.5m investment from Picturedrome and before lockdown regularly attracted 300,000 visits a year.

Blackwood independent councillor Nigel Dix said the cinema was a vital asset for the town.

Further details about the Maxime Cinema’s reopening will be announced next week.