A cinema in Southport is closing its doors until the Coronavirus pandemic subsides.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson today set out new restrictions on people, urging them to maintain physical distance and avoid all ‘non-essential travel’.
Owners of Bijou Cinema, based on Post Office Avenue in Southport town centre, are now closing temporarily.
In a statement, they said: “Following the government’s advice to avoid social venues, we are incredibly sad to say we will be closing until the coronavirus pandemic is under control.
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“This means that all of the films and events planned for the coming months will be postponed until a time when it is safe to re-open.
“For anyone who has pre-booked tickets via Ticketsource, you will receive your refund via their service. For anyone who has pre-booked tickets via the cinema, you can either email our manager at [email protected] or we will be open on select afternoons / evenings for refunds. We will tell you the specific days soon.
“We are absolutely devastated by this news, but don’t worry, we will be back. We are going to be working on the cinema and upcoming films whilst we’re closed, and our Facebook and Twitter will still be open to answer any questions as well as keep you in the loop.
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“We hope to see you all again very soon! Stay safe and healthy everyone.”
The Southport Bijou Cinema CIC is the brainchild of Michael Lockwood, who began pursuing the project in 2016.
The operation has one goal: to bring cinema to the community.
At the Bijou, you’ll be able to see a range of films that you couldn’t see locally anywhere else: from the silent classics of the 1920s, to the British comedies of the 60s; from the the gory Italian horror of the 70s and 80s to the gritty dramas of the 90s – or the independent movies being released now and very recently.