Wetherby Cinema celebrates 100th anniversary

Wetherby Cinema is celebrating its 100th anniversary today. It is one of the few original purpose-built cinemas still operating. It opened on 21st April 1915 and was originally called The Raby. It was used to entertain troops during the First World War. By the Second World War, it had been re-named The Rodney.

The rise of the television proved problematic for the cinema, and the building started to be used as a bingo hall instead. In the 1990s however, a group of locals led by Bob Preedy stepped in to turn the derelict building back into a cinema. It reopened in 1994 with a screening of 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'.The cinema is now run by Ray and Irene Trewhitt. They converted the projector from film to digital technology which they hope will keep the cinema going from strength to strength.

Christine unveils the plaque commemorating Wetherby Film Theatre's 100th anniversary. With her are cinema managers, Ray and Irene Trewhitt.

The cinema is celebrating its centenary with a week of special performances.