Historic cinema returns as events venue

A historic Lake District cinema is set to reopen as a multi-event venue.

The Royalty in Bowness closed in August, ending an association with the town going back to the 1920s.

Redevelopment means that as well as screening films, it will be able to host live music, comedy and theatre.

It will reopen on 14 June with a concert by a Beatles tribute band, and the next day there will be a tea dance, attended by dignitaries including the local mayor.

The project is the work of Mark Naunton and his business partner Bryn Tyson, both of whom have a keen interest in music and films and were seeking a venue.

Dating from 1926 when it was built by public description, it also chimed with their love of old buildings and "quirky things".

The former-three screen cinema has now been stripped back to one screen to take it "back to its roots".

However, the seats will also be removeable to allow standing at concerts.

To return it to its original art deco theme, the foyer has been redecorated with wallpaper in that style.

And the former hair salon incorporated into one side of the building has become an ice cream parlour, also in art deco style.

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