MOVIE fans in Abingdon have cause to celebrate this festive season with it revealed the town’s new pop-up cinema will be open before Christmas.

The latest releases will be screened in the Abbey Hall from this month, with the exact date being kept under wraps, as part of a partnership between Abingdon Town Council, which owns the building, and independent cinema The Regal.

It will mean the Abbey Hall, which has been closed since August 2015, will finally be back in public use.

Initially proposed almost a year ago, a rental deal was agreed in April, covering until the summer of 2020. Council leader, Mike Badcock, said: “The council has worked very hard with The Regal this year to bring professional cinema to the Abbey Hall. Together with the Regal we have invested to improve the Abbey Hall alongside the Guildhall and there have been many challenges along the way.

“I am delighted that the cinema is opening before Christmas. We are very much looking forward to working with the Regal in providing a facility which will be much appreciated by local residents.”

Work has included installing nine-metre projection screen, acoustic wall coverings and advanced Dolby 7.1 surround sound.

Traditional cinema seating will be found in rows up in the dress circle, while the stalls will offer cabaret-style seating. A brand new professional kitchen and renovated bar will mean people can also enjoy light meals and drinks while watching a film.

Ticket prices will include special memberships for Abingdon residents.

As well a screening regular feature films all week with three to five shows per day, the space will also be used for hosting live events such as comedy, musical performances, and live streams of National Theatre productions.

Sign up to the Abbey Hall Cinema mailing list via theabbey.ac for news of the first screening.