Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk
The Royalty Cinema, on Lake Road in Bownes, has issued a plea for support following what it described as a “challenging year” for independent venues.
The cinema said it has enjoyed strong audiences for some events but others have attracted very few people and some have had to be cancelled because of insufficient ticket sales.
In a statement, the venue said: “We’ve had fantastic support for many of our events this year, with some brilliant audiences and wonderful feedback, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who has come along.
“But we’ve also had events with very few people through the doors, and others we’ve sadly had to cancel because ticket sales simply weren’t enough to make them viable.”
The Royalty hosts live music, comedy, cinema screenings and other special events, with a pantomime and programme of Christmas films among those planned for the remainder of the year.
It said: “We put a huge amount of time, effort and money into bringing a varied programme of live music, comedy, cinema and special events to Bowness.
“We love what we do, but the reality is that we need audiences to make it sustainable.”
The venue is encouraging people to attend upcoming events, purchase tickets as gifts and share details of its programme with others.
Its main auditorium and smaller studio are also available for private hire for parties, performances and community events.
The venue added: “The Royalty has been part of the community for generations, and we want it to remain a place where people can enjoy live entertainment, discover something new and make great memories for many years to come.
“Independent venues need audiences. Ultimately, it really is a case of use it or lose it.”
The Royalty’s history dates back to March 1927, when it opened as the Public Hall and screened a film during its opening ceremony.
Originally boasting more than 600 seats across its stalls and balcony, the building also had a stage, dressing rooms and a maple dance floor.
Updates carried out in 2025 included the introduction of a bar in the rear stalls and an accessible toilet.
The stage area has also been reinstated, allowing the venue to host live shows once again, although the change resulted in the loss of one of its smaller cinema screens.
