National Cinema Days Weekend events coming up at Electric Palace cinema 30-31 August 2025

National Cinema Days events August 2025!

During Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August, head along to the Electric Palace cinema in Hastings Old Town to immerse yourself in cinema nostalgia, grab yourself some cool film merchandise, and support your local independent venue to continue, as times are tough for cinemas nationwide, says Annie Waite.

The Electric Palace cinema in Hastings Old Town is joining the rest of the UK independent cinemas in a late summer celebration of all the joys that cinema can bring.

Head along to the Electric Palace on 30 and 31 August for special screenings, shopping and surprises, at a nationwide celebration of cinemagoing. While you’re there, marvel at the exhibition on the history of local cinemas, with an artist talk from Mercedes Burne-Hramseig, introducing her new show ‘Haunted Movie Buildings of Hastings and St Leonards’.

“Drop in for rare film memorabilia, merch, and movie gifts. Your donations help the Electric Palace to survive and thrive despite decreasing audiences and increasing costs. Grab this opportunity to support your local community cinema, enjoy delicious refreshments, and maybe even discover a new fave film,” says Annie Mannion, co-director of the Electric Palace.

Local businesses including Pizzarelli have also donated raffle prizes.

National Cinema Days weekend 2025 full line-up:

Scala is back for another screening at Electric Palace

Saturday 30 August 2025

• 10.30am – 3.30pm: Electric Palace Open House
  Drop in any time throughout the day for film memorabilia and merch, and great movie-related gifts! All donations will help support the Electric Palace.
  Hastings Old Town Club (next door to the cinema) also opens its doors for snooker, beer garden and fully stocked bar. Memberships welcome to any Hastings and Rother residents all year round.
• 4pm: The Smallest Show on Earth
  Classic comedy in which a couple inherits a failing movie theatre, appropriately nicknamed “The Flea Pit”, and the three eccentric senior citizens who work there.
• 7.30pm: Scala!!! Or the Incredibly Strange Rise and Fall of the World’s Wildest Cinema and How It Influenced a Mixed-up Generation of Weirdos and Misfits
  Heartfelt big screen documentary about the riotous inside story of the infamous sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll repertory cinema which inspired a generation during Britain’s turbulent Thatcher years.

See Plan 9 From OUter Space B Movie on 31 August

Sunday 31 August 2025

• 11am: Bon and the West
  Award-winning documentary about how Bön’s methods and practices for finding compassion and joy, amidst the technological and often chaotic world are being embraced by modern students.
• 3pm: Haunted Movie Buildings of Hastings and Bexhill aka Those Killer Things plus Artist Talk
  An art exhibition of paintings, sketches and artefacts based on the fascinating and sometimes bloody history of cinemas in Hastings and Bexhill through the ages. Artist Talk from Mercedes Burne-Hramseig at 3pm, and surprise celebratory film at 4pm. No need to book – it’s free and first come first served: just show up and enjoy the event.
• 4pm: Surprise Screening! (PG)
  No need to book – just show up and enjoy the surprise! (Family friendly film).
• 7.30pm: B Movie: Plan 9 from Outer Space
  Plan 9 from Outer Space was the first B Movie ever shown at the Electric Palace, as part of its B Movie Fan Club, a monthly gathering of low-budget horror/sci-fi fans, but welcome to everyone.

National Cinema Day Weekend is not just about entertainment; it’s a celebration of the art of filmmaking and the important role that cinemas play in our communities. Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, documentaries and more, join in to appreciate the unique experience of watching a film in a cinema, surrounded by fellow film fans, and to keep the tradition of cinema-going alive.

Book now for The Electric Palace’s National Cinema Days weekend 2025!

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