THE Magic Lantern cinema in Tywyn has received a fabulous, poppy-red facelift as part of a refurbishment of both the inside and outside of the building.

The crew of the Magic Lantern said they are all thrilled by the paint job, which was carried out by Gwynedd Council.

Co-director Annie Grundy told the Cambrian News what the paint job says it sets the tone for the plans for the future of the cinema.

She said: “It’s bright and beautiful and really sets the tone for everything we want for the future.”

Annie thanked Gwynedd Council for the swift work on the refurbishment.

She added: “We are really grateful to Gwynedd Council and their contractors for getting it done in time for summer.”

Meanwhile, inside the cinema, the first stage of refurbishment – installing a small kitchen - has been completed which means the Magic Lantern will be able to sell more exciting cocktails, snacks and ice-creams.

The Welsh Government’s Coastal Communities Fund via the National Lottery is supporting the refurbishment and has also enabled the cinema to recruit a kitchen and event catering manager.

Sara Waddington, who is also a co-director at the Magic Lantern, reflected on what has been a busy period for the cinema over the last few months.

She said: “It’s been quite hectic putting all the processes needed for coronavirus safety together, alongside managing the start of the refurbishment and recruiting new staff, and re-opening of course! But we are very lucky and have been well supported by our audiences and the funds such as the Wales Cultural Recovery Fund.”

It is hoped that everything at the cinema is ready to go soon, as Sara explained: “We’re hoping to be up and running very, very soon so that we have time to test things out before the summer holidays start!”