Babylon ARTS who run Ely Cinema at the Maltings are planning two screenings this summer to appeal to people living with dementia and their families and friends.
Caroline Cawley, Director at Babylon ARTS said ‘Ely Cinema is very pleased to be able to offer two ‘Dementia Friendly’ screenings in June & July with support from the BFI’s Film Audience Network. We aim to make our independent cinema in Ely more accessible to the local community by giving people living with dementia a fun and inclusive cinema experience and to enable their families and carers to attend the cinema in a safe and welcoming environment. We recently ran a training session for our volunteers and other local groups on dementia awareness which will help both our gallery and cinema team better understand some of the issues people face.
These screenings are open to everyone but are run to better suit the needs of people living with dementia: the lights are left on low, there are no adverts or trailers and you’re allowed to move around – or sing along to any musical numbers! – should you want to. The film will start at 10.45am, doors and bar are open from 10.15am. There will be a short interval half way through for you to stretch your legs.
We’ve two great films lined up – Beauty & The Beast, and Dad’s Army you can buy tickets from Burrows Bookshop and the Babylon Gallery. Tickets are just £5 and one carer or companion comes free!
The Maltings bar will be open serving tea, coffee and biscuits half an hour before the film starts to give people the chance to meet and socialise with others, and to familiarise yourselves with the cinema space.
Box Office Tel: 01353 616991.
More details www.babylonarts.org.uk
