PARKWAY CINEMA - AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Parkway are into their fifth year in Beverley and are now not only a significant part of the community but are established enough to be at the very heart of it.

Having a cinema on the doorstep is a fabulous asset to have and Beverley residents are proud of this. It provides a wonderful opportunity to see the latest releases without having to go far, and located on Flemingate, a night at the movies is easily tied in with a meal out too!

But Parkway is far beyond any ordinary cinema; it represents a central community hub that brings people together. The variety of different screenings available at Parkway is testimony to their commitment to this goal and with everything from Little Penguins and Senior Screenings to Autism and Dementia Friendly Performances there really is something for everyone.

The Senior Screening takes place every Thursday from 9.45am when tea, coffee and biscuits are served before the film starts at 10.30am. Aimed at a mature audience, as regular attendees know the Senior Screening at £4.50 is not only a great bargain, it’s a great opportunity to socialise and meet friends. Not only that, it’s popular too, recent release Good Liar sold out! And if you’re lucky you may even win a bag of sweets - every week Parkway select a ‘Lucky Seat’ on which the fortunate ticket holder will find their prize!

The Senior Screening is just one example. Every week there are regular performances with particular people in mind from parents and their babies under 18 months old, to those with additional needs or who may not enjoy the sensory experience of a regular performance. Little Penguins is dedicated to a younger audience and their families. Every Saturday and Sunday at 10.15am a suitably-rated film will be shown, with all tickets on sale at £2.50.

Subtitled performances specifically for the deaf and hard of hearing are also shown regularly each week and relaxed and Autism Friendly performances have low level lighting and a reduced volume allowing the audience to enjoy their sensory experience all the better. Each year, Parkway adopts a charity, and this year is no exception. Partnered with Dementia Friendly East Riding, the cinema works closely with staff and volunteers to bring suitable films to the big screen. As with all Parkway employees, Mark and Marie, who oversee the partnership are both fully trained Dementia Friends.

Previously, Parkway have supported Beverley Community Lift and Abby’s Fund, and work alongside each charity to raise money in ways unique to them. The Christmas Concert is also a wonderful way to support the community by bringing together local schools, choirs, singers and musicians and raising money for a good cause.

Beyond film screenings, whether standard or tailored performances, Parkway offer a whole series of other events including; live performances from the comedy club to musicals and tribute acts; event cinema; Q and A sessions; an annual Pantomime; and superb advanced screenings for example ‘Like a Boss’ and ‘Call of the Wild.’

They also work alongside the Beverley Film Society, who meet on the first Thursday of the month between September and June. Parkway’s contribution to the Beverley community is substantial and works as an active guard against loneliness and isolation. It’s a thriving hub providing a wonderful space in the cafe/bar area to meet up with friends either before a film or as a separate event.

By catering for the full diversity of society, everyone is included, creating a dynamic atmosphere and for some, a social lifeline. In addition to all of this, Parkway also supports local businesses including Wold Top Brewery, Mr Moo’s Ice Cream and White Rabbit Chocolatiers!

So if you’re looking for something to do during the week, over the weekend or to entertain the children during the school holidays, look no further, there’s plenty to do at Parkway!

Types of Screening:

Little Penguins: Catering specifically for a younger audience and families. Screenings every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10.15am. All tickets are £2.50.

Senior Screening: For a mature audience. Every Thursday from 9.45am (for a 10.30am start). Tea or coffee and biscuits are served before the feature film. All tickets are £4.50.

Subtitled Shows: Specifically for the deaf and hard of hearing, these shows are subtitled. Minimum two subtitled shows every week.

Parent and Baby Screenings: Every Thursday at 11am, term time only. Slightly brighter lights and a slightly lower sound volume. Parents with babies 18 months and under only, babies admitted free.

Autism Friendly: Regular performances with low level lighting and a reduced sound volume. No adverts where possible before the film, and carers go free.

Dementia Friendly: The last Thursday of every second month. Low level lighting and a reduced sound volume. No adverts where possible before the film, and carers go free.