The big screen is coming back: The Regent Cinema kicks off reopening with British Cinema month

Owner Richard Taylor renovated and reopened the Church Street cinema in July 2016, but the building has been closed since the Government imposed lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19.

But now Mr Taylor will welcome back Fylde coast film buffs from Friday July 10 for weekly classic film showings, kicking off with British Cinema month every Friday night during July.

"We absolutely cannot wait to open up again, we're so excited to have everyone back," Richard said.

"We ask our customers to choose what they want to see, and back in March before we closed they voted for British Cinema month, so our first film is The Full Monty.

"It's been a really difficult few months, and no doubt a rough few months ahead too. Not only for us, for all businesses. But we're reopening, and that's the main thing."

On Friday June 26, the antiques and crafts centre in the building reopened, and Mr Taylor said he was confident that after a successful day of trading the cinema would follow suit.

It holds 144 seats, but in order to implement social distancing "at least half" of the seats will be out of use for customers.

Mr Taylor also anticipated a maximum of 50 customers per night, and there will be a screen installed at the diner and hand sanitising stations on arrival.

"I don't think we'll make people wear masks, as there isn't really much face-to-face contact at the cinema, everyone is facing the screen," Richard continued.

"As long as everyone uses their common sense and sticks to the social distancing rules, there won't be any issues.

"We can't have as many customers in at once, so of course we won't be making much money but at least we're able to open. We can't wait to be up and running again."