WITH Warrington’s first town centre cinema in 25 years opening, we decided to go back into our archives to look at some of Warrington’s lost picture houses.

The ABC, also known at the Ritz, left would become Mr Smith’s night club.

Warrington Guardian:

Inside the Ritz

But many people remember it best as a cinema and as the Ritz, it was among the best venues in town.

Also much loved was The Empire in Warrington town centre.

Warrington Guardian:

The Empire

Closed in the 1960s, it is remembered fondly as Warrington’s most luxurious cinema.

The Grand, sited close to Bridge Foot, was Warrington’s first cinema and attracted a loyal following of film fans.

Warrington Guardian:

The Grand

While the Queens at the top of Orford Lane was hugely popular.

Warrington Guardian:

The Queens

The Queens had a balcony upstairs and a car wash is now sited on the land.

The Star Kinema was extremely popular and residents say a little cheaper.

Warrington Guardian:

The Kinema

Very often at half time George Formby would entertain (he was the highest paid entertainer and paid 19 shillings and 6 pence in the pound tax).

And of course the last cinema to disappear from Warrington was the Odeon.

It closed in 1994, 25 years before Cineworld is set to open.

Warrington Guardian:

The Looking Glass pub is now built on the land.

Warrington Guardian:

Do you have memories of any of Warrington’s former cinemas?

  •  If so you can write to us here at Yester Years via the usual address; Newsdesk, Warrington Guardian, Unit 4, 240 Cygnet Court, Centre Park, Warrington, WA1 1PP.

Or you can drop us an email via newsdesk@guardiangrp.co.uk.