Historical cinema appeals for funds to survive

A historical cinema has turned to the public to ensure it can continue screening films for future generations.

The Electric Palace, which opened in 1911, is tucked away in the coastal town of Harwich and is believed to be one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in Britain.

But the independent Essex venue has suffered from structural defects over the years.

Cinema chairman Deb Perkins said her team wanted to raise £70,000 following a "difficult" 2024.

"Cinemas generally are really struggling because of things like Covid and the writers' strike and there's been a lack of big films coming out," said Ms Perkins.

The cinema has survived two world wars, the threat of demolition and the pandemic.

It is owned by the The Harwich Electric Palace Trust and is run mostly by volunteers.

Ms Perkins says the team wants to raise money for restoration work - such as for improving its technology and toilets - to help keep cinema ticket prices low and so it can continue running community events.

It previously hosted a Refugee Week in memory of the thousands of Jewish Kindertransport children who arrived at the port of Harwich in 1938.

Ms Perkins said its schedule was disrupted for about three to four weeks last year when its projector broke.

She was optimistic about the films coming out in 2025 and said Wicked and the latest Paddington movies were a hit with audiences.

"By visiting the Electric Palace you are taking part in a little bit of cinema history," she told the BBC.

"It really is a special place and you are supporting the community."

Staff have already been putting together events, such as quizzes and raffles, and they raised £23,000 since last summer.

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