Council welcomes new chapter for Rhyl cinema

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed an exciting new show reel for cinema in Rhyl.

Screenings are set to commence at the new Rhyl Strand Cinema from Friday December 19 following the official lease handover of the cinema building last month from the Council to Merlin Cinemas.

A successful recent recruitment campaign will see local staff from Rhyl, Prestatyn, St Asaph and Dyserth ready to meet and greet film lovers.

Strand Cinema Rhyl will operate alongside its sister cinema in Prestatyn, Scala Cinema, which is already part of the Merlin Cinemas group of independent cinemas.

Leader of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Jason McLellan said: “It’s fantastic to finally see cinema come alive once again in Rhyl thanks to the hard work of Merlin Cinemas with the support of our own officers to finally raise the curtain once again on the building’s screens.

“This is such an important venue for Rhyl with the town’s rich and lengthy cinema history and tradition and coming hot on the heels of the successful opening of Queen’s Market, will be another attraction for residents and visitors alike and an important part of continuing regeneration in our seaside town.

“We are really pleased as well that Merlin has the confidence and vision to invest in Rhyl which has given such a boost to local employment. I wish those working at the cinema the very best in their roles. I would urge local residents and visitors to Rhyl to come and enjoy the big screen from Friday at the Strand as well as backing other great business ventures in the town to ensure their continued success.”

Merlin Cinemas began its journey 35 years ago with a single screen in Penzance in Cornwall and now operates over 20 cinemas across the UK. Known for saving and restoring historic and modern venues alike, Merlin is committed to keeping cinema-going affordable, accessible, and magical for local communities.

Keep an eye on Merlin’s website and social media for updates about the Strand opening www.merlincinemas.co.uk