WATCH: The big screen experience returns to Cineworld in Ashton

As Cineworld in Ashton reopened its doors after seven months of lockdown restrictions, Tameside Radio presenter Alex Cann, who is an avid movie fan, went along to take in a film and speak to the manager.

The cinema at Ashton Leisure Park had been closed since 9 October last year due to the coronavirus pandemic but finally welcomed back film aficionados on Wednesday (19 May). 

Francis Lamb, general manager at Cineworld Ashton, said he was "very excited and happy" to be back. 

"It has been really busy, there's a lot of people to be thanked - it's been a lot of hard work from a lot of people to get us to this point," he told Alex. "When we've been closed for so long, it's not as simple as switching the lights back on." 

Alex grabbed his popcorn and sat down to watch Judas and the Black Messiah on day one of Cineworld reopening  

'It's not just about watching a film, it's about an experience and building a memory'

After a difficult 14 months for us all in the midst of the pandemic, during which online streaming services like Netflix have grown in popularity, Francis still thinks there's nothing quite like a trip to the cinema.  

"The big screen experience - the fact that it's kind of a communal experience as well - that's what it is. It's not just about watching a film, it's about an experience and building a memory. I can remember my time as a child watching films and how excited I got. I still get that buzz now. 

"It's escapism and an adventure. It's whatever you want to get from cinema - whether you want to laugh or cry, or enjoy explosions. That's what it's about - it's an experience. It should be seen on the big screen and we hope to be the best place to watch a movie." 

Now that the big screens are back open, there's some exciting movie releases planned for people to keep an eye out for in the coming months - in particular the new James Bond movie 'No Time To Die'. 

Alex Cann speaking to Francis Lamb, general manager at Cineworld Ashton 

"We've got Fast and Furious, James Bond, Maverick - all those sorts of films. There's a backlog because obviously cinemas have been closed for so long, so I don't think there's going to be a shortage of product for people to come and enjoy.

"We've been waiting for the Bond film for some time - it's moved, and moved, and moved again! We're looking forward to it in October." 

Staff at the cinema are also pleased to return to work after the long 32-week absence. 

"Yes, there is [excitement]," Francis said. "For them it's been a long time to be away from work and from their colleagues. We had a big meeting on Tuesday and we all got to see each other. It's an exciting time for them to be back." 

Francis, who has been the general manager at Cineworld Ashton since it first opened back in 2004 with the exception of a brief hiatus, is also a huge movie fan himself - and hopes to find some time to take in a film or two! 

"I hope so, but maybe not this week! I don't watch horror - that's the one thing I don't really like or enjoy, but pretty much anything else." 

Once he'd finished his duties for us, Alex - who was a Cineworld regular before the lockdown - stayed to watch Judas and the Black Messiah and, making up for lost time, he's returning on Thursday to see Nomadland. 

This weekend, the Hyde Fundraisers are due to be at the venue and are doing a pop-up to welcome the cinema back. There will be fundraising for Cancer Warriors. 

Cinemagoers picking up their refreshments ready to watch a movie on the first day of Cineworld reopening

Covid measures in place at Cineworld

For those planning a trip to the cinema, there are coronavirus measures in place to help keep staff and customers safe, which are: 

• Face coverings must be worn in the cinema (unless you are medically exempt) but can be removed when eating and drinking.
• Social distancing measures and hand sanitiser stations will be in place within the cinema
• Where social distancing can't be maintained, plastic screens will be in place at tills 
• All employee and customer toilets will be stocked with anti-bacterial hand soap, and stringent handwashing guidelines will be in place for all employees
• Additional cleaning will be in place to clean and sanitise touch points in the cinema 

Customers are being encouraged to book tickets in advance via the Cineworld website and app. Confirmation emails can be used as tickets and e-tickets are available on the app. 

The booking system allows people to sit next to their friends and family - depending on the capacity and layout of each screen - whilst ensuring a safe distance between separate groups of customers.

The start and end times of films are staggered to reduce customers crossing paths with other customers going in or out of other screens, and discourage crowds in the foyer. There is additional time for cleaning between films too. 

Watch more in our video at the top of the page. Images and video by Nigel Wood. 

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