Film fans will soon be able to enjoy a night at the movies as Folkestone's cinema prepares to re-open following 14 months of closure.

Silver Screen in Guildhall Street shut its doors to customers in March last year as the country went into its first Covid-19 lockdown.

It has yet to re-open them, but is now planning to welcome people back as part of the next stage of the government's easing of lockdown.

It will re-open on Friday, May 28.

Although dates and times are still to be confirmed, the town centre cinema is hoping to show Peter Rabbit 2, Cruella, A Quiet Place Part II, The Conjuring: The Devil made Me Do It and After Love, a drama shot partly on location in Dover, in May and June.

Manager Chris Lightwing said a new website has been developed to allow customers to purchase tickets, food and drink in advance, and new measures will be introduced, including hand sanitiser stations, PPE, social distancing, auditorium ventilation, and protective screens around our box office and kiosk.

He said: "We’d like to thank Folkestone’s residents, who have sent us such kind messages of support throughout the pandemic and have constantly reminded us how much the cinema is loved.

"It has meant a lot to us.

"After such a difficult and tiring year, we know that reopening the Silver Screen Cinema must mean a great deal to local people, as the town takes another step back towards normality.

"We’re looking forward to finally reopening our doors and welcoming everyone back!"

Boris Johnson announced on Monday stage three of the planned lifting of restrictions will go ahead from Monday (May 17).

This means the majority of the indoor and remaining outdoor economy can reopen - such as all restaurants and pubs -, and gathering limits will increase indoors and out.

Up to 30 people will be able to meet outside, and the rule of six or two households will apply to indoors.

This means friends and family will be able to dine inside or enjoy a drink away from the elements.

Guidance for close contact between friends and family will also be updated, with people exercising their own personal judgement in line with the risks.

This means hugging is back on the cards.

The Leas Cliff Hall theatre, also in Folkestone, is however postponing its reopening until next month.

A statement on its website reads: "As we continue to plan for shows to return and prepare our theatres for re-opening, we have now suspended performances at our UK venues until Saturday 26 June 2021.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused but hope you will understand given the exceptional circumstances."

Planned performances include Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers Story and The Best Of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Visitor services and the Folkestone Museum, both at the town hall, will re-open from Tuesday, May 25.

Folkestone's Fishing History and Heritage Museum will also reopen from Thursday, May 20.

In Capel Le Ferne, the Battle of Britain Memorial's Wing visitor centre and car park will re-open to the public on May 19.

Other attractions across the district, such as Port Lympne animal park and the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, have already welcomed back visitors.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone