What is the historical significance of Keighley Picture House?

Keighley Picture House, opened in 1913, is significant for being a fine example of an early 20th-century cinema. It has managed to retain its original external red and white livery and has escaped conversion into non-cinema uses, unlike many of its contemporaries.

What unique features does Keighley Picture House offer?

Keighley Picture House features two screens with comfortable red velvet pullman seats and retains a traditional character distinct from modern multiplexes. It is equipped with modern technology such as Dolby surround sound and air conditioning, and it also has rainbow-colored screen curtains.

What types of screenings and events does Keighley Picture House host?

Keighley Picture House hosts a variety of screenings including the latest films, family matinees, and autism-friendly screenings. It also hosts the local film club and is available for hire for private events.

How can you visit Keighley Picture House?

Keighley Picture House is located on North Street, Keighley, BD21 3SL, and is easily accessible by public transportation with buses 622 or 662 from Bradford City Centre or by car via the A629. There is a public car park across the road on Scott Street.

Keighley Picture House: Bradford’s Silver Screen Survivor

Yorkshire History

By On: Yorkshire Magazine

25/08/2022

2730

Keighley Picture House: Still a cinema, not a bingo hall

By Cath Muldowney

Opened in 1913, this fine example of an early 20th-century cinema has undergone many changes over the years, but the outside remains resplendent in its originality, with red and white livery. Although it occasionally hosted one-night shows from pop stars such as Marty Wilde and Billy Fury in the 1950s and 1960s, the cinema has managed to escape the ignominious fate of many similar establishments: conversion to a bingo hall!

The town of Keighley was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Cichhelai, meaning Cyhha’s farm or clearing. Keighley was incorporated into the borough of Bradford in 1974, much to the disquiet of some of its citizens, who saw this as a ‘take over’. Following protests, it was granted its own Town Council in 2002. It is one of the few outlying Bradford districts to have retained its own cinema, and without a brief period of closure in the 1990s to enable extensive roof repairs, it would have been one of the oldest picture houses in continuous operation in the UK.

“Beautiful screen”

Following substantial refurbishment over the years, Keighley Picture House now has two screens and comfortable red velvet pullman seats. The interior retains its traditional feel, full of character, and a million miles away from the soulless multiplexes of today, yet with all the benefits of modern technology, including Dolby surround sound and air conditioning. The beautiful screen curtains are rainbow-coloured, the friendly staff dispense goodies from the kiosk, and there is also a tea and coffee lounge.

Situated on one of the main roads through Keighley, the cinema is easy to find, and open seven days a week. It shows all the latest films and on-screen events, with family matinees and autism-friendly screenings. The cinema also hosts the local film club, and is even available for hire, with or without the adjacent function room.

Address: North Street, Keighley, BD21 3SL, www.nm-cinemas.co.uk, +44 (0)1535 602561
Getting there: Bus 622 or 662 from Bradford City Centre; by car via the A 629, with a public car park across the road on Scott Street
Hours: Check website for screening times
Tip: Nearby Cliffe Castle Museum houses natural history and geology galleries alongside art and stained-glass displays in a fine Victorian setting within a public park