Carlton Cinema tours open to public for two August dates
Nigel Smith leads £20 visits inside the Grade-II listed former cinema on Essex Road
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The former Carlton Cinema on Essex Road will open its doors to the public for guided tours on two dates this summer. Local cinema historian Nigel Smith will lead the visits, which cost £20 per person. The tours are scheduled for 14 August and 5 September, with tickets available online.
Gracepoint church, which now owns the building, has granted permission for the tours. The church is restoring the interior, but parts of the cinema remain unrestored. Visitors may see areas used for church activities, such as a crèche or stage preparations for services.
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A rare look inside a historic cinema
The Carlton Cinema opened in 1930 and was once the largest cinema in the UK. It later became a bingo hall before Gracepoint church acquired it. The building is Grade-II listed, recognising its architectural and historical significance.
Nigel Smith, who organises the tours, said the visits offer a chance to see the unrestored upper stalls and hear about the cinema’s history. The tours are not part of a regular programme but are offered occasionally with the church’s permission.
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The cinema is a short walk from Essex Road station, served by the Great Northern line. It is also within walking distance of Highbury and Islington and Angel tube stations. No parking is available on-site.
What visitors should expect
The tours will take place in a semi-working environment. Visitors may need to avoid areas used for church activities, such as a crèche or stage set-up. The building is not fully accessible, and some areas may have restricted access.
Tickets must be booked in advance through the organiser’s website. No walk-up tickets will be available on the day. The tours are expected to last around 90 minutes, though the exact duration is not confirmed.
No further tours confirmed
Gracepoint church has not announced any additional tour dates beyond 14 August and 5 September. The church said it is focused on restoring the building and has not indicated whether more tours will be offered in the future.
Residents interested in the cinema’s history can follow updates from Nigel Smith or Gracepoint church for any further announcements. The building remains closed to the public outside of these scheduled tours.
Questions this report answers
+How much do the Carlton Cinema tours cost?
The tours cost £20 per person. Tickets must be booked in advance through the organiser’s website, as no walk-up tickets will be available on the day of the tour.
+When are the Carlton Cinema tours happening?
The tours are scheduled for 14 August and 5 September. No further dates have been announced by Gracepoint church, which owns the building.
+What will visitors see during the Carlton Cinema tour?
Visitors will see unrestored areas of the cinema, including the upper stalls, and hear about its history. Some parts may be in use for church activities, such as a crèche or stage set-up.
+How do I get to the Carlton Cinema for the tour?
The cinema is a five-minute walk from Essex Road station, served by the Great Northern line. It is also within walking distance of Highbury and Islington and Angel tube stations.
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