First cinema to open in Lytham since the 1950s: everything you need to know
A new era of cinema is set to return Lytham St Annes for the first time in half a century.
The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens is thrilled to announce that its brand-new venue, The Windmill Performance & Education Centre, is set to feature a state-of-the-art Digital Cinema Package (DCP) projection system and immersive surround sound this Christmas.
This installation marks the first cinema to open its doors in Lytham since The Palace Cinema closed in the late 1950s.
The new DCP technology (provided and installed by Omnex) ensures film lovers can once again enjoy the latest cinema releases in stunning clarity and sound (provided and installed by Adlib) - right in the heart of Lytham St Annes.
The Windmill Performance & Education Centre, which is home to the venue’s 164-seat auditorium, The Chapman Studio, will launch its state-of-the-art cinema programme with two exclusive screenings of André Rieu’s Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas on Monday, December 22 2025 at 7.30pm and Tuesday, December 23 2025 at 2.30pm.
This festive concert film promises a magical start to a new chapter in the town’s entertainment history, offering audiences an unparalleled viewing experience in a cutting-edge, purpose-built venue.
Tim Lince, Lowther’s Artistic Director/CEO said: “Lytham has a fantastic pedigree in cinema as it once hosted the largest film Studios in the country. In the 1920’s Lytham Green often thronged with film makers, so it seems very apt that 100 years later we launch the latest digital cinema with an 8-meter screen overlooking Lytham Green in The Chapman Studio. Along with first film releases it will allow us to broadcast West End productions and some of the best music concerts from across the world alongside improving our programme of National Theatre Live and Royal Opera House streams.”
Alongside the André Rieu screenings, The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens will also be presenting screenings of:
- John Cleese Packs It In (12A) on Friday 23 January 2026 at 7.30pm
- Westlife – Royal Albert Hall (25th Anniversary) (TBC) on Sunday 25 January 2026 at 2.30pm
- R.E.M x Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr (TBC) on Thursday 5 February 2026 at 7.30pm
With this investment, The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens says it continues its commitment to expanding arts and entertainment offerings for all generations, combining heritage and innovation to create unforgettable experiences for audiences across the Fylde Coast and beyond.
Tickets for André Rieu’s Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas, John Cleese Packs It In, Westlife – Royal Albert Hall (25th Anniversary) (TBC), and R.E.M x Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr (TBC) are now available for £15.
Please visit lowtherpavilion.co.uk/cinema or book via the venue’s Box Office by calling 01253 794221.