The long-awaited opening date for Romney Marsh's only cinema has finally been revealed.

Cinemarsh will host its opening night on Friday, October 8 with the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die.

The 46-seat independent cinema, based at the Marsh Academy’s leisure centre, was originally due to open in April 2020, just weeks after the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Manager Jason Mahoney and his team are now excitedly putting the finishing touches to the cinema in time for the grand opening.

Mr Mahoney said: "We're excited and nervous.

"Since the leisure centre re-opened earlier this year the most popular question has been about when the cinema will open. So we hope the demand is there."

The cinema will be open every day, and show around 20 screenings a week, which will include a mix of blockbuster movies and indie films.

Although the programme is still being finalised, upcoming showings include Dune, The Eternals, Last Night in Soho and French Dispatch, as well as the latest Bond.

Tickets will cost £8 for adults, £7 for concessions and students, and £6.50 for leisure centre members and children.

Mr Mahoney said: "We don't just want to go for the biggest films. We want a balance.

"We'll see what works over the next couple of months and want people want.

"The secret is to get people to come back. We hope our selection of films will draw people in.

"Plus we're on the doorstep so that will encourage people to come and maybe introduce them to different genres.

"In terms of what is coming up, Dune is coming out soon, plus a new Wes Anderson film. We're excited about that."

Cinemarsh will be the only cinema located on Romney Marsh.

At the moment film fans have to travel to either Folkestone or Ashford to catch a blockbuster, or to the Kino in Rye, east Sussex - all around 30 minutes from New Romney by car.

Mr Mahoney added: "We've given a lot of thought to the pricing. We're cheaper than anywhere else."

Popcorn, chocolate, sweets and drinks will also be on offer in the foyer and lounge area, and Mr Mahoney hopes people will support the cinema by purchasing snacks.

He added: "It might be a bit more expensive than going to the shop, but this will be make or break for the cinema and we want to encourage people to support us."

Eight students from the Sixth Form at Marsh Academy have been taken on work at the cinema, which has been in the making for six years and was made possible by several grants.

The screen is five metres wide and its sound and projection systems were installed by Sound Associates, one of the top digital cinema installers in the UK.

It also has a foyer and toilets.

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