The renovations has uncovered old memorabilia from the 1930s- present day.
Hyde Park Picture House is currently undergoing mass renovations to restore the Grade II listed building to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
One year has now passed since work began on the building, thanks to a successful £285,600 Capital Kickstart Fund award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fun.
In this time, the 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.
Image: HPPH
As part of the #TreasureTrashTuesday segment on the Picture Houses' Instagram page, the company shares hidden treasures uncovered during the renovations.
Hyde Park Picture House said: "As work continues on the #PictureHouseProject, we’ve been uncovering all sorts of wonderful rubbish from the cinema’s past – trash that had fallen through the cracks long ago and has only now been found.
"As well as keeping hold of everything we find, we also wanted to share our discoveries with you, as we think they provide a really unique window into what was audiences were up to in the cinema all those decades ago."
Image: HPPH
Sharing their first find, they shared a packet of Wild Woodbine Cigarettes noted: "For our first #TreasureTrashTuesday we wanted to share this packet of Wild Woodbine Cigarettes. Hugely popular throughout the 20th century, particularly among the working-class and soldiers during both the First and Second World Wars, we think this packet was likely dropped in the 1930s/40s."
The page has since shared everything from old bingo tickets to Fruit Pastel sweets, each with an explanation as to why they would have been in the building, from what era and even some original adverts dating back decades.
Image: HPPH
The exciting finds have attracted users of all ages to reminisce or imagine the exciting finds in their former life at the Picture House.
The renovations continue to excite followers each week whilst the multi-million-pound scheme to safeguard the cinema’s nationally significant heritage is taking place.
On site, the repair and conservation of its unique gas-lamps, iconic Burmantofts tiled façade, original terrazzo flooring and Grade II listed exterior lamppost are all being considered.
The renovation plans also hope to introduce a new ramped entrance, accessible toilets, an expanded foyer and new 52 seat basement screen. This also means the cinema’s capacity and accessibility will be greatly improved.
Image: HPPH
The renovations aren't expected to be completed until Autumn 2022, so the Picture House is currently 'On The Road' and offering viewings at the likes of Leeds University Union as an alternative cinema space whilst the work is underway.
Currently donning a blue and yellow scaffolding in support of Ukraine, the cinema will be donating ticket sales of a range of movies to the UNHCR Refugee Agency Emergency Appeal, which aids Ukrainians that are forced to flee their homes in search of shelter and safety.
To keep up to date with the project, you can watch the progress on The Picture House Project website, where more details of the Heritage Lottery Fund can be found.
Alternatively if you're more interested in pondering over the incredible gems being uncovered each week, make sure to follow the Hyde Park Picture House Instagram page.
Feature Image- Hyde Park Picture House (HPPH)
News
Inside Sheffield’s new supersize JD Sports Store that has just opened in Meadowhall
Meadowhall has just welcomed a brand-new JD Sports Store - and it is absolutely mega.
Trainer and sportswear lovers, this one's for you as JD Sports has just opened the doors to its newest store.
Located in Meadowhall shopping centre on the Lower Level of the High Street, the new store is almost triple its previous size and spans a whopping 29,225 sq ft.
Shoppers can now browse an ever bigger selection of clothing, footwear and sportswear from big brands like Nike, Montirex, New Balance, Adidas and Berghaus just to name a few.
Image: The Sheff
To make your shopping experience even smoother, the new store features self-service tills so you can be in and out within a flash.
To celebrate the opening, Chunkz and Kenny from popular Youtube collective Beta Squad officially opened the store today and held a meet and greet for fans.
Image: The Sheff
And the celebrations don't stop there, as from Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 August customers can get involved in JD's Spin-to-Win, with the chance to win gift cards, trainers and JD-branded merchandise.
Not only that, but Montirex will be hosting games all-weekend-long.
And if you can't make it that weekend, then do not fear. As on Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August, The Crep Protect truck will be rolling into Meadowhall giving out free goodie bags for customers who sign up to JD Status and follow Crep Protect.
Image: The Sheff
Sneaker Throne will also be offering a shoe-cleaning experience, with demonstrations showing customers how to keep their trainers fresh using products available in-store and goodie bags will be on offer which will also include tokens to play the Cop & Flop game.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you there for a fresh new fit.
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
Clementine Hall
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.