Regular film screenings in Paisley town centre are to return for the first time in more than two decades.
The magic of the movies will be conjured up by Paisley Community Trust, a local charity established in 2014, who have just received a licence permitting them to hold screenings.
They will kick off with a Hallowe’en special at the end of this month before going on to host regular events throughout the year.
And they will be bringing back film to the town centre for the first time since the closure of the Kelburn Cinema in 1997.
However, the price of entry dates back to the 1930s and 40s when Paisley kids would exchange an empty jam or ‘jeelie’ jar for a penny ticket into the matinees in cinemas of yesteryear like The Picture House, La Scala and the Astoria Cinema in Paisley – affectionately known as ‘The Bug Hut’.
‘Jam Jar Movies’ will pop up across town at different times of the year around special events and locations.
Paisley Community Trust have teamed up with The Star Project – an award-winning community organisation that delivers long lasting positive social outcomes for communities in Renfrewshire.
The price of entry will be a donation to The Star Project’s community fridge and pantry in the form of an unopened jar of jam or food parcel donation along with a small financial donation to cover project costs.
Gary Kerr, chair of Paisley Community Trust said: “We are passionate about building movie going audiences in Paisley. We are also passionate about Paisley’s rich cultural heritage in Cinema.
“In coming up with Jam Jar Movies, we wanted to make movie going as accessible to Paisley communities as we could. We also wanted to support the great work of the Star Project and the answer was in Paisley cinematic past – a ‘jeelie’ jar for a ticket!”
The initiative has been backed by Paisley First which is the business improvement district aimed to support traders and drive footfall back into the town.
Paisley First chair Colette Cardosi said: “We are always keen to back initiatives which attract people into Paisley town centre and are happy to sponsor Paisley Community Trust to help deliver their very first movie pop up.”
The first screening will take place at the Wynd Centre on Saturday, October 29 during Paisley’s annual Hallowe’en Festival.
There will be a family movie showing from 4pm to 6pm and for those looking for something scarier, there will be a classic Hallowe’en movie showing between 8pm and 10pm.
Sharon McAuley, chief executive of The Star Project, said: “These town centre screenings will bring the community together for some spooktacular fun entertainment while helping tackle food insecurity.
“Rather than bringing an empty jam jar as an entry fee, like the old days, we’re asking people to bring a filled jar - or a tin or a packet of something - as part of their entry fee. These contributions will go towards our dignified free food provision which supports thousands of families in Renfrewshire each year.”
All film details and ticket information will be available on Friday, October 14 from Paisley Community Trust.
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