A NEW state-of-the-art £100,000 digital cinema and large scale conferencing facility installation will finally go ahead at Theatr Harlech.

Following support from the Arts Council of Wales large Digital Cinema Capital Grant, match-funded by grants from Cist Gwynedd and Gwynedd Volunteering Scheme and private donations the conversion process and installation will be going ahead in January 2016.

Extensive work will be carried out during the next few months; therefore the auditorium will be closed to the public until Spring 2016.

The new state of the art cinema will be able to seat 256 people and will include a new surround sound system.

A spokesperson for Theatr Harlech said: “During the digital cinema installation staff will be busy putting the new cinema programme in place, which will include the latest blockbuster film releases and live-streaming events such as NTW Live Theatre and live opera, ballet and musicals live from the Welsh Event, with a view to re-launching the theatre with a new brand in the spring of 2016.

“This will be supported by an exciting programme of live theatre, dance and music, as well as community events, which is backed by another successful Arts Council of Wales Audience Development Grant for an additional £100k and a grant of £15k from Gwynedd Council, to run a full programme of events and setting up of a creative hub.

“This successful funding has been achieved by a small group of staff made up of one full-time member, and three part time members of staff, with the support of a new board at Theatr Harlech.

“This is no mean feat by committed staff who have battled to keep this gem of a theatre open during the past two years, despite bridge closures, loss of local train service and the recession, which has greatly affected the local economy.”