Going to the pictures’ was the most popular leisure activity in the first half of the twentieth century, providing affordable and accessible entertainment to millions of patrons. Belfast once had over 40 cinemas to cater for this demand ranging from down-at-heel ‘fleapits’ to the more glamorous and upmarket picture palaces. This talk will celebrate the city’s rich cinema-going heritage, tracing the building boom of the 1930s, the challenges of the Second World War and the decline of cinema from the late 1950s. Sam will explore the architecture of the venues, the films shown and discuss memories of cinema-going during the golden age of Belfast cinemas. He will also share stories of the Strand, Northern Ireland’s oldest remaining cinema.
Part of the ‘Strand Stories’ Heritage project, kindly supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Venue: Strand Arts Centre, 156 Holywood Road, Belfast
Date: Saturday 24 July
Cost: FREE
More information and booking: www.strandartscentre.com/events/goldenage/
