Opening over 100 years ago, the cinema has been host to the heart of the Leeds community generations- and after nearly two years of careful renovations, the much-loved cinema space is back.
The long awaited return of Hyde Park Picture House has finally been announced.
This morning, HPPH took to social media to announce that the beautiful Grade II listed cinema will reopen to the public next year.
Today we’re thrilled to announce that the Picture House will be reopening this April! 🙌
As we prepare to welcome you back, we're delighted to launch our new memberships, as well as a flavour of the cinema's new branding.
Bringing back the last remaining gas lit cinema in the country, doors will open in April 2023 following an extensive renovation to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
Having taken just short of two years to complete the work comes after a successful £285,600 Capital Kickstart Fund award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
The new renovations have included plans to repair and conservation of the unique gas-lamps that keep the cinema on the map; the Burmantofts tiled façade, original terrazzo flooring and Grade II listed exterior lamppost too. Then in addition to this, there will be a new ramped entrance, new 52 seat basement screen, plus accessible toilets and expanded foyer.
During the renovation period, builders have discovered far more than peeled paint and old pipes during the restoration- the building has uncovered nostalgic ticket stubs, sweets, even cigarettes from over 60 years ago.
Those wanting to get themselves through the door will have to wait four short months, but that doesn't mean that you can't plan out your next visit in the meantime.
It is expected that there will continue to be a range of film screenings from the venue's On the Road film programmes, each based at a different venue in the city, known as Picture House Presents at Leeds University Union; Hyde & Seek at Heart Centre and Movie Nights at City Varieties Music Hall.
Movie nights at City Varieties. / Image: HPPH
And you can also bag yourself a membership in advance too.
Hyde Park Picture House has announced a brand new membership programme, from just £16 per year that will allow you to support the cinema space with an exclusive newsletter (containing offers) priority bookings and the first 500 people to sign up will also receive a limited edition pin badge.
There's also the option to bag yourself some tickets in advance with a £35 or £70 membership which include 4 and 8 tickets respectively, as well as up to 15% off future bookings.
Those aged between 15 and 25 can also bag themselves free membership with £5 tickets.
We can't wait to hear more about the reopening and find out more about what to expect from Hyde Park Picture House.
Feature Image- HPPH
Leeds
An independent one-day festival run by local businesses is returning to Leeds this summer
Bramley’s independent festival is back after a sell-out first year.
Three local businesses, no corporate sponsor, one big day.
That's the motto of Mill Fest - an indie festival returning to Swinnow Grange Mills in Bramley after a sell-out debut that brought more than 600 people through the gates.
Mill Fest began as a shared idea between three Bramley businesses who fancied putting on a proper day out for the area, and we're so glad they did.
Last August it turned Swinnow Grange Mills into a full day of live music, street food, flash tattoos, market stalls and cold pints in the sun. We can't think of a better way to spend the day to be honest.
Images: Supplied
This year Mill Fest is back and taking place on Sunday 2 August, and the plan is simple - keep what made it work and build on it.
There will be a full day of live music, the return of the flash tattoo day, more independent traders, street food and local beer. This time the team is keen to bring in more businesses and faces from around the area, and the full lineup and programme will be announced over the coming weeks.
Images: Supplied
Owen Wilson from Against the Grain Bar said: “We started this because we wanted to put something on for Bramley, run by the people who actually work here. Last year went better than any of us expected. The place was full, the sun came out, and it felt like the whole area showed up. We can’t wait to do it again.”
Danae Miller from Grays Salon said: "The aim for this year is the same day people loved, just a bit bigger. We’d love to get more local businesses and artists involved, and to see even more familiar faces down at the mill. If we get the weather, it’ll be another one to remember.”
American rapper cancels rescheduled Leeds gig AGAIN due to ‘ongoing illness’
Clementine Hall
Action Bronson cancels Leeds gig for a second time, and it's safe to say fans aren't happy.
Ariyan Arslani, better known by his stage name Action Bronson, is an American rapper, chef and TV personality with a huge following.
The star was meant to perform at Project House last Tuesday 30 June but the show was cancelled the morning of, and subsequently the venue released an updated date of Tuesday 7 July.
It seems fans of Bronson may be experiencing some deja vu, as the gig has yet again been cancelled with short notice.
Except this time, no rescheduled date has been given.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The statement by Project House reads: "We have been informed by Action Bronson's team that regrettably, due to an ongoing illness he will be unable to perform at Project House this evening.
"We're incredibly sorry to be cancelling at such short notice. We had hoped last week's postponements would allow for sufficient recovery time but sadly, that has not been the case. Action is as disappointed as we are and we'd like to wish him all the best. Refunds will be issued from the point of purchase."
And it's fair to say the comments are...interesting, with fans far from happy about a second cancellation.
One comment reads: "Well enough to play two shows in London and one in the Netherlands, but just can’t seem to shake a cold to get to Leeds."
Whilst another disappointed fan commented: "He’s not ill guys! Obviously not a knock on the lovely folks at project house, but that’s a bullshit reason he and his team have come up with for insurance purposes!"