The Pola in Welshpool and the Regent in Newtown have been at the heart of the towns’ social scenes for decades and have survived the explosion of multi-screen cinemas opening just across the border.
And now Montgomeryshire MP, Glyn Davies, backed by both MyWelshpool and MyNewtown, is urging constituents to ‘back their local cinema’.
Mr. Davies urged movie goers to stay local during a tour of the Pola Cinema with its owner Richard Thacker.
Mr. Davies said that the local cinemas represented “outstanding value for money” and praised the cinema owners in trying to keep the ticket prices at their lowest possible price.
“Films are released in Welshpool and Newtown on the same weekend as they are released in Manchester, London and Shrewsbury and can be watched at a fraction of the price with no or little travel costs involved,” Mr. Davies pointed out.
Mr. Thacker has maintained the family’s tradition of running the local cinemas. He said: “It was a good visit from Glyn. It was nice of him to show his support for local cinema and we look forward to welcoming him back!”
The cinemas have moved with the times in terms of its own marketing. As well as working closely with MyWelshpool and MyNewtown to announce the new releases, it also maintains a fresh web site and social media accounts so it is easier than ever for people to find out what’s on. But they haven’t stopped there.
“We listen to what our customers tell us and that is why we have also introduced Cheap Movie Mondays when ticket prices are slashed even further,” said Simon Thacker, who looks after the marketing.
To see what's on this week, visit www.polacinema.com
PICTURE: Lights, camera, action: Glyn Davis is shown around the Pola Cinema by Richard Thacker (Manager) and Simon Thacker (Advertising & Social Media).