The Strand Cinema opened its doors on 7 December 1935, with one screen and 1170 seats. It has evolved over the years and taken on multiple guises including ‘picture house’, variety theatre, four screen multiplex, and arts centre incorporating a cinema. Today, the Strand holds the label of the oldest surviving cinema in Northern Ireland. Join us on Sunday, 10.30am – 1pm, for an Open House at the Strand! You will be able to explore the building, take a peek into our projection booths, and uncover the fascinating history of this iconic venue. You’ll also get a chance to learn more about our ongoing ‘The Lasting Picture House’ project, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. To celebrate the Strand’s years as a Variety Theatre in the mid 1980s, we will have a special Showband memorabilia exhibition, curated by Philip D’Arcy. We’ll also present a photographic exhibition which traces the evolution of Strandtown over a century, highlighting the importance of the Strand as a landmark of the area since 1935. And there will be lots of fun activities for kids, including scavenger hunts, badge-making and arts & crafts! This is the last EHOD weekend before we close for major renovations in 2024 so grab your chance to see the building in its current form. And we would be delighted for you to share your own memories of the Strand from over the years, and share your hopes for the renovated building.  

Address
Strand Arts Centre, 156 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 1NY Antrim, United Kingdom