Support for Wolverhampton's Light House cinema grows

Light House in Wolverhampton, housed in the city’s former Chubb Lock Factory, could be shut down unless a partner or major sponsor can be found.

Since losing its public funding several years ago the cultural venue has drastically changed its business plan, cutting costs to a minimum and broadening its range of commercial films.

It offers two cinema screens, two galleries, a cafe bar and indoor courtyard - but all is at risk.

Last month the Express & Star published a call for help for Light House, and chiefs say the support from the public has been very 'promising' so far.

CEO Kelly Jeffs said: "We are told that we’re a lifeline to many people. Our customers don’t want to deal with a ticket machine, they want a proper box office. They don’t want hot dogs and popcorn, they want a cake and maybe a glass of wine to take in.

"The funding cuts have hit us very hard. As a cinema, we’re growing quickly, but as a charity we just haven’t climbed far enough out of the huge hole the grant loss gave us, after being partly funded for 25 years.

"We run so differently to a chain cinema and our costs are completely different. European grants aren’t there any more and as a cinema we just don’t fit the criteria for many of the heritage and museum grants available."

The charity cinema has seen an increase in sales of 12 per cent in the past year, and just last month won the prize for Community Contributor in the city’s WIRE Awards, but is still in danger of closing.

As well as showing films the venue also hosts language classes, singing groups, and other activities - providing a much-needed hub for elderly and vulnerable people across Wolverhampton and beyond.

"It’s so frustrating because we’re doing all the things the government and society want us to do - engaging with the lonely and socially isolated, working with youth, mental health and fostering groups and enabling community cohesion through free language cafes," Kelly added.

"People come here for a friendly face and a chat, then learn about the world through a film they might not see on general release. We actively reward customers who choose a British Film to help the British film industry. We work with other venues and the university to help build the visitor economy.

"We’d love to work with more businesses to become partners and sponsors but with so few staff and trying to run a cinema, there just isn’t space to network or have fundraising staff like bigger charities do.”

Kelly added that social media responses since the news of Light House's plight spread have been promising, with customers pledging to #SaveLightHouse and also sending donations.

Anyone who can help should call 01902 716055.