A BRAND new Kidderminster cinema is set to open its doors for the first time later this month.

The highly-anticipated Lume Cinema, which will be screening the latest blockbusters and classic films, opens on Thursday, September 30.

Kidderminster film fans will be able to catch to latest Bond flick No Time To Die, Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, and a host of old favourites and cult gems.

There will also be horror and Halloween-themed movies showing throughout October.

Following Reel’s shock announcement in March last year that they were closing the Green Street site, film fan James Anderson Brown, founder of The Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham, and Anthony Hughes and Eddy Morton, founders of Stourbridge Community Development Trust, stepped in to prevent the cinema from being lost for good.

The project to get the new cinema up-and-running was hit by several setbacks, mainly due to the nationwide lockdown.

A Crowdfunder page was set up to help make ambitious plans for the Lume Cinema a reality, giving film fans rewards such as tickets, wine and snacks, or a private screening with champagne in exchange for their donation.

People can find out what's on at the cinema and book tickets via lumecinema.com.

The Green Street cinema originally opened in 2006 as the Warehouse Cinema before becoming a Reel venue, converted from a former derelict carpet warehouse.

Anthony Hughes said: “Its been an incredibly difficult time for everyone since the first lockdown and to be taking on a challenge of this size has been a huge undertaking. With so many national and local lockdown restrictions, even getting people on site working safely has involved constant often hourly changes – testing even my project management skills!”

Eddy Morton said: “The task of not just reopening, but to change the cinema from how it was to our own plans has finally paid off. We have a great venue that will not only deliver to film fans who love the experience of cinema, but also a whole host of yearly events for the communities from arts and music events to community and learning for all ages and demographics.”

James Anderson Brown: “As those who love the classic 007 films will understand ‘We’ve been expecting you!” and it’s a great film to open our cinema with. This is just the start. We will always offer the latest blockbusters to give people that magical cinema experience, but also, because we are an independent cinema, we can screen a huge variety of other films from independent film makers and art-house to fantastic options for private screenings and group bookings in one of our 4 screens.

"This will give everyone an opportunity to hold parties and great nights out for friends, family and even office party bookings. 

“I think because people have been in lockdown or working from home, the novelty of having streaming services has worn off. People want to get out and enjoy themselves with a great experience and the excitement of seeing films on the big screen.

"This is why cinemas used to be called Picture Palaces and we have designed Lume to offer a feeling of glamour, it’s a special occasion. But with a range of very reasonable priced tickets, everyone can come and enjoy great cinema and our café bar anytime they want.”