One month after reopening, Sidcup’s cinema is reporting rising attendance and renewed activity as it re-establishes itself as a cultural venue for the local community. Audience numbers have increased steadily each week, with a strong turnout across a varied programme of films and events.
The cinema and café are now operated by Castle Cinema, an independent organisation that also runs a community focused cinema in Hackney. The venue will trade as Castle Sidcup, while the wider building that also houses the library will continue to be known as the Storyteller building.
Castle Sidcup is now open daily from 9.30am until 11pm. Films are screened throughout the day, seven days a week, and the programme is continuing to grow. Planned additions include a wider range of specialist and inclusive screenings.
These will include parent and baby showings, silver screen performances aimed at older audiences, and accessible screenings such as hard of hearing and subtitled sessions. The aim is to broaden access and ensure the cinema’s offer reflects the needs of the community.
Craig Wood, who has returned as General Manager, said:
“It’s been fantastic to welcome people back through the doors and to see the cinema settling back into its role at the heart of the community. There’s a real appetite locally for a broad mix of films and events and we’re excited to keep building a programme that reflects the community and offers something for everyone.”
London Borough of Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, Cllr Munur, said:
“It’s great to see this much-loved community asset back in use. There is an exciting future ahead for the Cinema and the Council would like to thank residents for their continued support. We look forward to seeing the cinema go from strength to strength as a much-loved cultural venue at the heart of Sidcup”.
During the reopening period, the Council and Castle Cinema have also recognised legacy memberships held by former Sidcup Storyteller members. This recognition will remain in place until 31 January 2026, with members encouraged to visit the cinema and speak directly with the Castle Sidcup team.
