Harbour Lights Cinema officially open
The Harbour Lights Cinema and event venue in the Malvina House Hotel officially opens to the public on Saturday 29th June with the film Toy Story 4.
The 55-seater cinema has a state-of-the-art laser digital projector which will show blockbusters, art-house classics and cult movies to appeal to a variety of ages and tastes, and the new building has been designed to offer more than films.
Tom Swales, Managing Director of Stanley Services Limited, had the idea for a cinema and event venue at the hotel in 2014. “The concept was to provide a leisure, business and educational facility for the whole community, so we built a separate function room next to the auditorium too,” he said.
“We wanted to create something special in Stanley with the ‘Wow’ factor. This new space can be used in so many ways, from private screenings, work-related or team-building courses, meetings and lectures, bespoke educational events, and family celebrations.”
Cinemagoers can look forward to the full entertainment package, as the box office has stocked up on popular sweet treats such as popcorn and ice cream.
Cinema and Events Manager, Nic Scott, said: “Ahead of the official opening we hosted some test screenings for the community and it’s already proving a hit. A gentleman who had never been to a cinema in his life was enthralled by the experience, and two groups of school children cheered and applauded at the end of the The Kid who would be King.”
Part of the innovation of the cinema project was to offer tickets to be available to purchase online, seven days in advance of the showing. Online bookings opened on Sunday 23rd June and the first showing sold out in 22 minutes of going live.
Nic Scott, said: “Providing an online booking service via the webpage has been a complex process involving the ticketing and software provider, Sure Communications and the payment provider. We expected to have a few teething issues as this new concept went live and all parties have worked hard in resolving these issues. We also understand that some people may wish to pop in to the hotel and purchase their tickets in person, this can be done via the cinema box office located off the main reception.”
Forces Cinemas worked with Stanley Service Ltd to develop the idea and assisted with providing specialised knowledge and expertise. They are part of BFBS, which also delivers TV and radio services in the Falklands, and has entertained the military overseas and at home in the UK for more than 75 years.
The new facility provides a second screen for Forces Cinemas in the Falkland Islands, offering an additional entertainment service to the military and civilian community.
Jennifer Holdford, Forces Cinemas Operations Manager, said: “Our aim is to provide the very latest films to our isolated audience in the Falkland Islands. The content we screen at The Phoenix will also be shown at Harbour Lights, so that personnel based in Stanley and those in the local community who were not always able to make the journey to MPC can now enjoy the latest releases on the big screen closer to home.”
The cinema also doubles up as a lecture theatre allows for laptops to be connected to the projector. The system is also set up for various microphone options to allow for perfect sound throughout presentations.
In addition to the auditorium there is a separate meeting/dining/function room which can be set up boardroom-style accommodating 20 and larger numbers depending on the room layout. The meeting room boasts a 75’’ interactive 4K UHD LCD Touchscreen with integrated annotation software. Share, stream and edit content from any device directly on screen and transform your team meetings or lessons into an easy, fast and seamless interactive session. A number of hire options and conference refreshment packages are available.
There will be refreshments available from the cinema foyer, with fresh popcorn, Italian roasted coffee, ice-cream to name a few. All packaging is either reusable or decomposable, single use containers are made from plant extract not plastic. Drinks will be served in glass bottles to be benefit from the new Government glass recycling facility. Segregated bins are provided for recycling.
There are two spaces reserved for wheelchair users and a lift from the ground floor to the foyer. There will be dedicated films screenings with subtitles and an audio facility to enable the hard of hearing and partially sighted to enjoy the movie.
Many local businesses were involved with the new cinema build, including Builders C&R Construction, G&S Electrical and Sure South Atlantic who provided services for the construction of the new building, which is connected via a linking corridor from the Malvina House Hotels reception.
“We are excited to have this new cinema and meeting facility within the hotel complex, enhancing the overall product not only to the local market but the international visitors as well. We are already developing our meal service times to accommodate people who wish to have something to eat and drink before and after film showings. We also have plans to host special showings of tailored dining and film packages to create an ‘event cinema’ experience.” said Carl Stroud, General Manager of the Malvina House Hotel.
For full details of screenings and to book, go online to: www.harbourlightscinema.co.fk
Tickets can also be booked in person in advance or at the time of the screening at the box office which is open daily from 12 noon until 8.30pm, Tuesdays to Friday and 10.30am until 8.30pm Saturday and Sunday. The cinema and box office are closed on Mondays.
