Cineworld Barnsley opens as town stars shine on silver screen

The Billy Casper actor features alongside homegrown sculptor Graham Ibbeson, Chocolat film author Joanne Harris and YouTuber Lee Hinchcliffe in a short film which celebrates the arrival of the brand new 13 screen cinema – see listings here.

They also appear as cinemagoers on promotional posters around the cinema, on screens and social media. Dai returned the compliment with a signed Kes film poster now on display in the foyer.

The short film, in which the Cineworld Barnsley ambassadors explain their life-long love affair with film and cinemagoing, is being show at the venue and made its debut in the IMAX theatre at a VIP invite launch last night ahead of today’s first public showings.

Instead of a ribbon cutting ceremony, three of the four – Dai, Graham and Lee – were at hand to snip a reel of film, to open the cinema before an invite only screening of new Harry Styles psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling, with other guests watcheing Top Gun: Maverick.

It heralds the start of a new era for film fans in the town which now boasts the latest, state-of-the-art laser IMAX cinema.

The 2,186 seat Cineworld venue also has a ScreenX theatre, which surrounds viewers with films projected in jaw-dropping 270°. There’s also an exhilarating 4DX sensory cinema, with moving seats, water, wind, fog, scent and strobe lighting effects.

Cineworld Barnsley, the flagship of the town centre’s £210m regeneration, was delayed due to the pandemic and there were ‘nervous moments’ following recent reports of financial issues.

But the film giant – which has more than 100 sites in the UK and Ireland – remains ever hopeful of a blockbuster future for Barnsley cinemagoers at the Glass Works site which has also attracted big-name retail investment with arrivals including TK Maxx, Nando’s, TGI Fridays, The Botanist and Superbowl UK.

Barnsley Council leader Sir Stephen Houghton welcomed the opening and praised the dedication of Cineworld and IMAX to launch the venue during what has been challenging times.

He said: "I have to say we've had one or two nervous moments over the last few months and you all know what I mean by that. But I want to thank IMAX and Cineworld for their commitment to our town, our borough and the people of Barnsley - they have invested millions of pounds into this facility to give us what we want and that is just incredible. And that isn't happening elsewhere in the UK, so thank you all very much.

"We have in Barnsley the best cinematic entertainment facility in the whole of the UK. It doesn't get any better than this.

"We will continue to work with Cineworld and IMAX , and everyone around the Glass Works and town centre to give our people what they deserve. We remain committed to Barnsley and its town and all its businesses and facilities and as I've said to Cineworld, that partnership will continue into the future so you all get the very best."

Shaun Jones, Vice President of Operations at Cineworld Cinemas, said: "We're delighted to be launching this cinema. This is as good as it gets; 13 screens with laser projectors in every single screen, 2,186 seats including this absolutely amazing IMAX auditorium.

"For those who haven't seen anything in IMAX before I have no doubt whatsoever this will be your format of choice going forward. Other formats are available. We've also got 4DX. It's a bit like Alton Towers. And then we've got ScreenX which has a 270 degree screen that goes all the way around. So we've got something for everyone.

"We've also got the Unlimited scheme for £15.99 a month where you can then come as often as you want as many times as you want.

"We couldn't have built this cinema without the support of so many people there's a lot of people who have absolutely worked tirelessly to make this happen. The council has been absolutely fantastic and I want to thank the leader of the council Stephen - honestly your support has been absolutely phenomenal. You're always made us feel welcome.”

Cineworld Barnsley manager Oli Cattanach, a film fan who was also born in the town, said: "In the past, if we wanted to watch a film in IMAX, on a ScreenX, or in 4DX, you had to travel to Sheffield or Castleford. It's been frustrating. So it's fantastic to get this. We've been blessed. You can now experience films in all three of our fabulous formats."

David King, VP of IMAX, said: "This cinema is equipped with IMAX with laser, which is our most advanced, immersive theatrical technology. You're going to see crystal clear lifelike images and experience incredible sound - it really is unlike anything else you're going to get in the cinema.

" And there's an incredible line-up of films on the way - including James Cameron's original Avatar remastered ahead of the sequel in December. There's Black Adam from Warner Brothers with Dwayne Johnson in October in IMAX, We've got Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in November. And then in December Avatar: The Way Of Water. You've got to see this in IMAX.

"Honestly, it's unlike anything you've ever seen."