Vue Basildon has officially opened its doors to the public, with the Mayor of Basildon in attendance.
Councillor Allan Davies joined Owen Sparks, Basildon Council’s director of resources; Toby Bradon, Vue UK and Ireland general manager; and the team at Vue’s Basildon site on Thursday morning for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and a tour of the venue at East Square.
At the opening, Toby Bradon also announced a new initiative that aims to support local charities and organisations in Basildon to coincide with the venue’s opening.
Local charities, community groups and other not-for-profits will be invited to register their interest in Vue’s Pick and Fix programme via Vue’s website to be in with a chance of not just receiving a share of £10,000, but also starring on the big screen.
Groups from in and around Basildon will be invited to apply, with a panel selecting a shortlist of three, who will see their stories played on the big screen at Vue Basildon, so customers can find out more about their projects, before voting for the group that will receive the first prize of £5,000.
Applications will open soon.
Toby Bradon, General Manager of Vue UK and Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to finally be able to welcome Basildon customers to the big screen experience at Vue, and also to be able to do our part for the local community with our brand new Pick and Fix initiative, which we are launching in Basildon for the very first time.
“We look forward to showcasing some fantastic local projects on the big screen at Basildon, as well as playing a part in allowing them to come to life.”
Owen Sparks, Strategic Director of Resources at Basildon Council, added: “I am really pleased to join the Mayor of Basildon, Councillor Alan Davies, and Toby Bradon from Vue to open the venue today. It will be great to see families and friends enjoying films and entertainment as part of the start of our regeneration of the town centre.
“I was also pleased to hear about their exciting Pic and Fix local grant scheme. This will benefit numerous community groups and charities from around the borough. A really generous initiative.”
Each of the ten screens at Vue Basildon features stadium-tiered, luxury leather seating alongside Vue’s Recliner seats, high definition 4K screens, Laser Digital projection systems and Dolby Atmos multi-dimensional sound in selected screens.
For those not sure what to watch first at the new venue, there’s a lot to be excited about, including two of Marvel’s most iconic characters (played by Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds) returning in Deadpool and Wolverine. Also spinning back onto the big screen – nearly 30 years after the original – is the disaster movie sequel, Twisters.
There will be plenty for families too, including blockbusters Despicable Me 4 and Inside Out 2, children’s favourite Bluey, plus every live-action Spider-Man film.
