Wellington Orbit named one of the UK's 15 best cinemas as its arts centre grows

It has been quite a year for Wellington Orbit. The community-owned cinema at 1 Station Road has been voted one of the 15 best cinemas in the UK, making the longlist for the British Independent Film Awards' Cinema of the Year award, supported by Kia UK.

More than 70 cinemas entered and nearly 50,000 votes were cast by cinemagoers. The award is voted for by audiences and celebrates cinemas at the heart of their communities. The five nominees will be announced on 3 November with the full BIFA nominations, and the winner will be revealed at the ceremony on Sunday 6 December.

Damian Breeze, manager at Wellington Orbit, said: "We loved reading everyone's comments and it was brilliant to see so many people supporting their local independent cinema. We love playing a role in our community and making the arts accessible to everyone." He also thanked the staff and volunteers "who make Wellington Orbit what it is."

The Orbit's story began with the 2012 'Save the Clifton' campaign. After years of fundraising, the 63-seat ground-floor cinema and café opened in 2019. This June, a second phase opened to the public with a 'First Look' weekend, bringing the first floor back into use with a multi-purpose studio fitted with specialist flooring, mirrors and ballet barres, meeting spaces, and a café extension with a gallery for local artists.

The work was funded and project managed by Telford & Wrekin Council, which says the refurbishment has more than doubled the size of the Orbit's facilities. Chairman John McGregor called it "a truly historic moment for Wellington", adding that the spirit of the 2012 campaign lives on. As a not-for-profit charity, the Orbit reinvests what it earns into the community and hopes one day to become a grantor itself.

July brought the return of a local tradition many residents remember from the Clifton: Saturday morning cinema. Family films are shown every Saturday morning at £1.50 a ticket, supported by the Councillors' Pride Fund and Film Hub Midlands with National Lottery funds.

To see what is showing, book tickets or volunteer, visit wellingtonorbit.co.uk.