Cinemagoers were treated to the 1980s classic Back to The Future on Saturday, 21st February
A new community cinema was launched at St John’s Church in Leytonstone on Saturday 21st February with a viewing of the 1980s classic Back to the Future.
Reverend Liz Blackham, the vicar for St John’s Church Leytonstone, Waltham Forest Council deputy leader Ahsan Khan, and volunteers welcomed various cinemagoers for the first screening.
The project has been a collaboration between the church and the council, following the success of festive film showings in December 2025.
It has been set up to be affordable and accessible to everyone, with a suggested donation of £3 per person, or £6 for a family ticket, with there being no pressure for cinemagoers to donate if they cannot.
Councillor Ahsan Khan said: “I’m delighted to be a part of the launch of the new community cinema. This is a fantastic idea by the community for the community. Waltham Forest Council is proud to be supporting this initiative.”
Reverend Liz Blackham, vicar for St John’s Church Leytonstone, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting a community cinema venture in partnership with Waltham Forest Council. We’re inviting people to come and watch a film in our beautiful space in the centre of Leytonstone.”
Cinema attendee Samina said: “What a wonderful opportunity it is to have a community cinema here in Leytonstone. It’s an amazing opportunity for youngsters and families to get together and come to a very affordable, comfortable, and safe place to watch a film.”
The community cinema intends to screen films on a regular basis and is supporting the church to get a permanent premises license to enable this.
The next screening will be Thursday 12th March. Doors will open at 7.30pm, with the film starting at 8pm.
Future viewings will include a variety of films for different ages. Stay up to date by visiting the St John’s Church website
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