With Rotherham’s first movie theatre in more than 30 years set to open to the public this week, a day of free family-friendly activities has been announced to continue the celebrations.
Following the official launch of the new eight-screen independent The Arc Cinema on Friday (6th September), with Council Leader, Cllr Chris Read, set to call ‘action’ with a special ribbon cutting ceremony, families can also enjoy a day of free entertainment and activities at Forge Island on Saturday 14 September.
The new public and commercial spaces will be animated with live music, local artists and street performers, as people of all ages are welcomed to explore Forge Island which has been completely transformed from a derelict site into a landmark leisure destination for the town, delivered by the Council in partnership with nationwide place maker, Muse.
The celebrations mark the launch of the new waterside public spaces and the striking new pedestrian bridge which provides a vital link between the flagship development and the town centre.
Families with children should head to The Arc Cinema foyer where free activities include face-painting and the chance to meet and greet some rather famous faces– from Minions to Paddington – to celebrate upcoming film releases this autumn, as well as special offers, balloons and giveaways throughout the day.
Rotherham’s growing grass-roots creative talent will be centre stage, with activities including:
- Live music from Rotherham Music Hub
- Yorkshire Circus street performers
- ROAR pop-up art gallery
- Window artist, Nikki Whiston, leading stencil sessions to create a new semi-permanent community display
Rotherham Council Leader, Cllr Chris Read said: “Our vision was always to create a family friendly destination and with our fantastic new cinema, plus the Travelodge hotel now open, and the multi-million-pound investment into the public spaces and wider development complete, we couldn’t let the summer end without inviting people of all ages to mark this milestone. We look forward to welcoming everyone down to explore Forge Island, which has such historical significance for the town, as we celebrate the start of its new chapter as a place for people from Rotherham, and beyond, to visit and enjoy for years to come.”
Rotherham-based food truck Big Smoke on Tour will be on site throughout the day, offering mouth-watering burgers, hot dogs, brisket and cheese loaded fries. It's the Council’s ambition to create a foodie destination over the coming months as new food and drink operators – to be announced - join Forge Island. Visitors can also take a short walk over the new footbridge to one of the town centre's many independent eateries.
The town’s first branded hotel, Travelodge Rotherham Central, which opened at Forge Island in July, will also be offering its great value lunch and dinner menus in its new cafe and licensed bar.
Together with Rotherham Markets, the improvements at Forge Island are a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans aimed at breathing new life into the heart of the borough. It is hoped that Forge Island will become a central hub for family-friendly activities year-round and the team are exploring options for more activities later this year, to complement other events across the town.
Forge Island is located next to Rotherham train and tram station and there is free parking available on site for cinema-goers and Travelodge users. It is also free to park in all other Council-owned off-street town centre car parks every weekend. Visit www.newforgeisland.co.uk for the latest information.