A local shining light

The building was previously a Gaumont cinema, dating from 1931. Andy Brown’s grandfather, Charlie brown, opened and managed the original, Art Deco cinema, a modern icon of its time and Andy exclaims the joy his grandfather would have had, to know it is still alive as a cinema and serving its community.

Andy Brown, grandson of Charlie Brown said: “You are doing what Charlie Brown did back then, the cinema was more than the experience of seeing films, it was supporting the community, going out into the community and bringing entertainment to the community of Anfield. He would have been very proud to know that his legacy is still living on.”

Community support for restoring cinema screenings to the building has been overwhelming, with older community members wanting their grandchildren to experience the joys of cinema that they remember from visiting Liverpool Lighthouse in their youth.

Rebecca Ross-Williams, the new creative director of Liverpool Lighthouse said, “We're so fortunate that our venue can once again bring the joy of film to our local communities through a community cinema at Liverpool Lighthouse. It provides an opportunity for local people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in shared experiences which aim to promote happiness – which let’s face it’s much needed. Just to think 90 years later the doors are opening for cinema again!”

The former Gaumont cinema will no longer be a memory of the past, screenings will be on a regular basis for the community from much loved classics to independent screenings, at an affordable price for all. Liverpool Lighthouse hopes to start screenings from the end of 2021.

Check out www.liverpoollighthouse.com