Imagine a cinema so beloved that its temporary reopening after five long years feels like a holiday miracle. That's exactly what's happening with Liverpool's oldest cinema, Woolton Picture House, which first opened its doors in 1927. Forced to close in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, this historic gem has been sorely missed by locals. But here's where it gets heartwarming: thanks to a passionate campaign, it's back—but only for 12 magical days of Christmas films before closing again for a much-needed refurbishment. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the movies; it's about the memories. Keren Leivesley, one of the first to return, described the cinema as having "a warmth to it" that modern theaters lack. "It's our cinema, and we'd like it back," she said, echoing the sentiment of many. Alongside her husband David, she joined 200 others to watch the classic White Christmas, complete with ice cream during the intermission—a tradition that sparked nostalgia for generations. Mrs. Leivesley reminisced about bringing her own children and grandchildren here, a testament to the cinema's timeless charm. But here's where it gets controversial: Kevin Fearon, who runs Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre, is leading a campaign to raise £700,000 to buy and restore the venue. So far, they've raised £150,000, but Fearon insists, "This should be funded by people who want this cinema to stay open, not from the public purse." Is he right? Should the community foot the bill, or is this a cultural treasure worth public investment? The cinema reopened on Friday and will screen films daily until Christmas Eve, giving fans like Celia Bickerton a chance to relive their childhood memories. "It still looks iconic from the outside," she gushed, "and it's still here in the most lovely village in Liverpool." Trish Edmondson, another attendee, summed it up perfectly: "We love the nostalgia, especially the interval with ice cream. It's beautiful, it's lovely." This fleeting reopening raises a bigger question: What does it take to preserve our cultural landmarks? And who should bear the cost? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—should Woolton Picture House be saved, and if so, how? For more stories like this, tune into BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send your story ideas via WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230.
