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Odeon Banbury remaining closed for the time being
17/05/2021
Owners say decision to be kept under review
The Odeon Cinema on Banbury’s Horsefair has confirmed to Banbury FM it will be remaining closed for the time being, but hopes to reopen as soon as they can. The group has reopened most of their other venues across the country.
Today has been the first opportunity for cinemas to reopen as COVID restrictions are eased.
A spokesperson told Banbury FM: “There are a very small number of cinemas which have not yet reopened, and this includes ODEON Banbury.
“We will keep this under review and look forward to reopening here as soon as we are able.”
Banbury’s Odeon was originally called The Regal and opened on 7th October 1940. Inside the auditorium, seating was provided for 897 people in stalls and circle levels. Under new owners it was re-named The Essoldo in 1956. The Classic Cinemas chain took over in 1972 and spit the venue into two screens, with screen 1 in the former stalls and screen 2 in the former circle.
In 1986 the Classic became Cannon and ten years later it was renamed the ABC. Odeon took over and re-named the cinema Odeon in October 2001.
As part of the Castle Quay Waterside development a new cinema complex is being built. This new multi-screen venue will be operated by The Light group and is due to launch early in 2022.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam