Leiston to host free open-air Screening of Paddington in Peru, supported by Sizewell C

• Showing marks 50 years since the Town Council saved Leiston Film Theatre   

• Film being shown at Victory Road Recreational Ground on Saturday 1 August 

• Event supported by Sizewell C, Leiston Film Theatre, Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, Long Shop Museum, and Leiston Events Group  

Leiston is gearing up to host a free open-air screening of Paddington in Peru this summer, supported by Sizewell C.

Delivered in partnership with The Long Shop Museum and Leiston Events Group, the event will celebrate 50 years since the Town Council saved the much-loved Leiston Film Theatre. 

Taking place at Victory Road Recreational Ground on Saturday 1 August, the event promises a very special evening, complete with food and drink stalls and a fireworks finale to round off the celebrations. 

Wayne Burns, General Manager of Leiston Film Theatre, said: “I am so pleased that our community can gather together to celebrate the fact that our town is home to Suffolk’s oldest cinema. The Town Council made a bold move in 1976 when they effectively saved the town’s cinema, not only securing the venue’s continuation, but also as a major asset for Leiston. It’s not always been easy, but the Film Theatre remains, thanks to the Town Council’s ongoing commitment and belief in its cultural importance.” 

Paddington in Peru was selected by the community through a vote on Leiston Film Theatre’s Facebook page. The much-loved bear triumphed over strong competition from Disney’s live-action Lilo and Stitch, and A Minecraft Movie. 

Marjorie Barnes, Head of Public Relations at Sizewell C, said: “We are incredibly proud to sponsor this special event and to play a part in celebrating such an important milestone for Leiston. The Film Theatre holds a unique place in the town’s history, and it will be wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate its legacy in such a memorable way. Events like this create lasting memories for families and bring people closer together, and we’re honoured to support an evening that showcases the very best of community spirit.” 

Originally opened as the Leiston Picture House in October 1914, Leiston Film Theatre has been a cornerstone of the town’s cultural life for 111 years. After a decline in cinema attendance in the 1970s, the venue was saved from closure in 1976 by the Town Council, which has since invested in carefully updating the building to meet the expectations of today’s audiences. 

Today, the cinema continues to bring people together, standing as both a historic landmark and a thriving community asset at the heart of Leiston. 

Nicky Corbett, Mayor of Leiston, said: “Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council is justifiably proud to be responsible for the continued longevity of our fantastic Leiston Film Theatre. Thanks to the foresight of our predecessors back in 1976, the venue continues to be our Council’s jewel in the crown. This celebration will no doubt be an outstanding success and it’s great to see how joint working between our sponsors Sizewell C, the Town Council and the Leiston Events Group has resulted in such a tremendous, family event for our town. We can all look forward to an exciting evening. Marmalade sandwiches are optional, of course.” 

Gates open at 18:00, with the film starting at 19:30. Fireworks will begin shortly after the film ends. 

The event poster can be downloaded here.