THE first customers at Wincanton’s new cinema are currently enjoying Zootropolis 2 on the opening day of the venue.

Ashley and her son Archie were the first customers through the door at the South Street cinema, which has opened two screens today (February 13), bringing the big-screen back to the South Somerset town for the first time in decades.

The project has seen the former cinema-turned-church building converted by S&B Cinemas, which also runs venues in Frome, Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead.

Owner, Pat Scott, said he was thrilled with the new venue, and that thinking about the achievement “brings tears to the eye”.

The first cinemagoers at The Plaza, in Wincanton. Picture: Paul Jones/Somerset Leveller

Speaking ahead of the opening, MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton), said: Pat, Beryl, John, Phil (and Julie) are the team who’ve brought cinema into the heart of Frome, Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead; now, they have transformed a former church on South Street into a three-screen cinema.

“With affordable ticket pricing, an accessibility lift, and a full array of refreshments on offer, the customer experience is at the heart of this fantastic new venue.

“I stopped by a couple of weeks ago to see the building works, test out the comfy new chairs, and thank the team for bringing arts and culture closer to home for so many residents of rural Somerset.”

READ MORE: We look inside new Wincanton cinema venue – with work starting in days
READ MORE: Wincanton is getting a three-screen cinema!
READ MORE: South Somerset news from your Leveller

The Plaza cinema, in Wincanton, boasts three screens. Picture: Paul Jones/Somerset Leveller

The Plaza cinema, in South Street, Wincanton, saw a former church renovated. Picture: Paul Jones/Somerset Leveller