One of the key impacts of the arrival of Channel 4 on the filmmaking landscape of the 1980s was the surfacing of new regional voices; none more so authentic and uncompromising than young Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar. Her plays, which depicted her experience of working-class life in the notorious Buttershaw estate in Bradford, had been staged at the Royal Court.
A struggling London novelist and his wife inherit a cinema in a long-lost relative's will. Upon arriving in provincial 'Sloughborough', they imagine this means the town's regal Grand cinema. In fact, they've accrued local, debt-ridden, rat-ridden flea pit The Bijou - its marquee letters vibrating to passing trains - and it's three squabbling staff.
Naturally, the plucky out-of-towners opt to renovate, with the help of eccentric scene-stealers Peter Sellers and Margaret Rutherford.
Sophisticated storytelling and lavish camera work combine to create a magical mystery told through the eyes of an orphaned boy. The young Hugo lives within the walls of a bustling train station in 1930’s Paris. His lonely life is given a purpose by constructing a mysterious unfinished robot left to him by his father. The final piece of the metallic jigsaw comes in the unlikely form of a friendly young girl, Isabelle - she wears a key around her neck that is a perfect fit for the robots lock.
Art workshops and exhibition on 4 and 5 October in Wetherby Town Hall.
Westgate
Wetherby
Leeds
LS22 6LL
United Kingdom
Our renowned local Silver Band will once again be performing another of their popular concerts at the 2025 Festival.
The Silver Band will be joined by St John Fisher Catholic High School Choirs
Formed during the reign of Queen Victoria, the Silver Band has been providing superb entertainment for almost 150 years.
Tickets £10.
Part of Wetherby Festival.
A walk guided by one of the Wetherby Civic Society members to learn interesting and lesser known facts and stories about our town. This is always a popular event.
The film was only a modest hit when it was first released. Today, however, it is often regarded as the greatest musical film ever and one of the greatest films ever made. Don’t miss it
From 1952, the ever popular movie about the dawn of the talkies with brilliant performances form Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. You know it, come and see it on the silver screen for your first time, you’ll love it! A splendid time is guaranteed for all! Book early!!
Marilyn Monroe returns after last year’s sell-out, this time pairing with Jane Russell to give you a fabulous afternoon of songs and laughter including the classic Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend. Get ready to be enchanted!
Made in the same year as Blazing Saddles (and being in similar poor taste) a wonderful evocation of the original but this time with laughs. And lots of them. Gene Wilder’s finest hour and a half and not too shabby from the master that is Mel Brooks, either!
A splendid time is guaranteed for all! Book early!! Tickets £12.80. Bookings via Wetherby Cinema webpage. We cannot reserve cinema seats. See Tickets below.
Part of Wetherby Festival.
Event sponsored by Wetherby Cinema.