The Dome Cinema in Worthing, West Sussex is one of the oldest working cinemas in England, opening its doors in 1911. It has seen many changes over the years, going through two world wars and many restorations. However, most notable was the battle to save it from redevelopment in the late 80s and 90s.

During this time, The Dome was in need of serious repairs (£1.9 million worth) and the town of Worthing was undergoing many developments as was, leading to the council's plan to demolish this famed cinema. Yet, the people of Worthing were not going down without a fight. Campaigns were led with a visceral love for The Dome; petitions gained thousands of signatures, alternative redevelopment plans were drawn up and support was granted by famous actors. Nevertheless, development planning continued for almost 4 years and protesters were conveniently ignored. Until, in May 1991, a council planning officer stated that there was no longer any intention of demolishing the Dome. Later that same year, the Dome Preservation Trust was established to look after the building.

But despite these comforting words, the struggle was far from over. The next 5 years saw legal battles and urgent repairs, all while money was running out. By 1995, in spite of all the years of campaigning, Worthing Borough Council decided to put the freehold of the cinema on the market, approving a bid for a company to turn it into a nightclub. It had been almost 10 years and people were still attempting to get rid of this piece of history. However, in 1996 after more campaigns and national news coverage, it was discovered that the Dome’s status has changed from grade II listed building to grade II* meaning development of it had to be checked by the Secretary of State for National Heritage.

This was great news yet, The Dome was still on the market and in need of an owner so in March 1999 a bid from the Worthing Dome and Regeneration Trust was accepted by the council. With funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund and its own raised money, proper restoration was able to happen and after 8 years, in July of 2007, the cinema opened its doors permanently again. 

Unlike a chain cinema, independent cinemas are filled with history. They are overflowing with stories about people coming together and working as one- the kinds of stories that deserve to be on the screen themselves. This winter, The Dome is holding several events which illustrate its divergence from its competitor. The first being a Christmas Market on the 9th and 10th of December. Viktoria Bennett-James, one of the staff members in charge of the market, reveals ‘This will be the first market we have run here and will run between the hours of 11-4 with a mix of stalls from the local people of Worthing’. She encourages people to attend because it is ‘a free festive event where you can enjoy a range of talented young artists and enjoy a festive mince pie with some mulled wine whilst looking at the fantastic coast of Worthing beach’. It will take place upstairs in the main lounge. 

The second is the support of the initiative Wrap Up Worthing- a foundation that helps the most vulnerable members of the community stay cosy during the colder months by collecting coats and warm clothing items. These two events are just some of what sets The Dome apart from a chain cinema. If you are watching a film this winter, why not watch it there.