About us
The Plot
Newcastle Community Cinema is both a cinema and a hub for community activities, arts & entertainment. We believe in a space for the whole community; our premises are centralised around the screening of film - our raison d’être - but also work equally as a regular hub & home for a hugely diverse selection of Newcastle’s groups, clubs, teams, charities.
Being located at the heart of Newcastle on the Main Street, our venue is a wonderful spot for community events and activities. NCC runs many of its own and it is also home to many regular clubs and groups who hire the premises to run their own activities.
More info: Community Activities
Equipped with a full-sized proscenium arch stage, NCC hosts a varied calendar of entertainment, including wrestling & boxing matches, live music and tribute bands, comedy nights, cabaret evenings, amateur dramatics and even school nativity plays. We are also available for private screenings and parties - For more information about hiring our space, see here - https://www.newcastlecinema.org/hire-venue
The Cast
Until July 2022, NCC was entirely powered by volunteers and then we won a grant to recruit staff to help the running of the cinema.
But we are still proud of a motley crew of fabulous volunteers who keep us sailing at full tilt by running the screenings, events and NCC Markets, producing beautiful artwork and marketing materials, updating the website, handing out flyers and generally being brilliant. We could not run without the power of volunteers!
If you want to join the crew see here - https://www.newcastlecinema.org/volunteer
The Backstory
Born of a Guinness-fuelled conversation between a clutch of frustrated film fans back in 2008, NCC was created out of necessity, as a direct reaction to the multiplex way of consuming movies.
Eager to watch different types & genres of film, efforts began in earnest to find out what exactly it would take to launch our own cinema, and, little by little, organisations such as NI Screen & Film Hub NI helped make the vision slowly take shape and come to life.
By jumping through all the hoops, and ploughing through all the reams of paperwork & admin, NCC finally was able to hold its very first event on Halloween night 2009; a free screening of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” to a packed house, at our original home in the Annesley Hall.
Cinema
NCC started life as a cinema, and has since morphed into much more (see Community Activities), but cinema is still our first love. We have regular screenings, special events and our annual Full Moon Film Festival.
Regular Screenings
We usually screen at least 8 films every month under the following threads:
Select
For cinema lovers, this thread showcases Box Office hits and art house gems carefully selected by the programming team. Selected Saturdays
World
For people who have no problem with subtitles, this thread triumphs films in other languages. Second Tuesday of each month.
Friday Fright Night
Our monthly hair-raiser showing recent horror and horror-inflected movies. First Friday of each month.
Relaxed Screenings
For people with neuro-diverse conditions and their families to enjoy a movie in a relaxed and welcoming environment with dimmed lights, no trailers and freedom to wander or sing along. This thread is generously supported by Autism Support Kilkeel and ADHD Hub. Second Saturday each month.
Toddler Club
For toddlers aged 1 - 4 years old. Watching an age-appropriate short film, followed by a film-themed activity and healthy snack for the little ones. At 10am every second Tuesday of the month.
WeeStorybook To Film
NCC has teamed up with Wee Bookworms to bring a storybook-themed fun morning of creativity and imagination for 1-6 year olds. 4th Sunday of the month, 10 am.
Classics with Cake
Matinee screenings of great movies from the previous century with cake and a complimentary hot drink. Selected Sundays/Fridays
Stage on Screen
We’re excited to bring the world-renowned National Theatre Live (NT Live) productions and Musicals directly to you!
Family
For all the family, U or PG rated movies. Usually on the 5th Sunday of the month.
Full Moon Film Festival
Every year NCC curates a film festival to appeal to our local audiences. Supported by local businesses, we pull together art house gems, documentaries, workshops and speakers, making sure Full Moon Film Festival has something for everyone.
Special Events
Placing film at the heart of the event, these occasions are specially designed to enhance the film with activities, cos-play, crafts, competitions, all sorts. We also screen for schools at Christmas and are open to other suggestions – get in touch bookings@newcastlecinema.org
