INSIDE the New IMAX Backlot Cinema Blackpool

Backlot IMAX Cinema in Blackpool

Blackpool has officially opened its first IMAX cinema as the Backlot Cinema Blackpool is now open for business with a beautiful screen, food options and more, come take a look inside!

Backlot Cinema Blackpool Ribbon Cutting
Photo Credit – Dave Nelson

Thanks to Sean Conboy who photographed all of the images in this article we can give you guys a glimpse inside the Backlot Cinema Blackpool which has a really unique flair combining some 80s classics with a modern aesthetic in the perfect movie-going experience.

264 people can be seated in the brand new IMAX screen and with blockbusters such as IMAX: Dune: Part Two, Ghostbusters and Godzilla X Kong.

Tickets to films such as Barbie, Oppenheimer and Wonka, which were released during the last ten months when the town has been without a multi-screen cinema, are also now available to purchase at thebacklotblackpool.co.uk

Backlot Cinema Blackpool Interior
Credit – Sean Conboy

What makes The Backlot cinema stand out is that there’s a diner within the establishment serving some glorious-looking meals from the signature backlot burger to cauliflower wings, salt and pepper chicken nachos (which look AMAZING) and a Hawaiian Salad which are all set to come to the full menu very soon!

Along with all of that, there are hotdogs, and sticky wings, along with a delicious range of desserts, including American-style thick pancakes, indulgent sundaes, and thick milkshakes.

Once you’ve finished drooling over all of the photos (myself included) I’ll tell you that The Backlot Cinema & Diner is located in Houndshill Shopping Centre’s new extension.

The cinema has a homely feel and the building on the outside does look so sleek, modern and beautiful. Blackpool needs this more than you know!

Blackpool Cinema
Sean Conboy

I love Blackpool with a passion but everywhere feels so run down in so many places and having this cinema plus the ongoing Blackpool Central development project is such a welcome addition to the area and is slowly making Blackpool appealing once again, slowly but surely.

Blackpool is undergoing a major regeneration project and seeing this project finalise and open (unlike the now abandoned 5-star hotel sitting glumly and abandoned in the centre) is great to see and wonderful for the local community.

I live in Stoke on Trent and my local IMAX cinema is actually in Broughton, Wales. I’d go further out of my way to visit this one purely because it feels more welcoming than your standard Cineworld, Odeon or Vue chains.

IMAX cinema Blackpool
Credit – Sean Conboy

There’s a heart and passion that’s gone into the designs from the retro film posters around the place to the name of the snack section (Snack to the Future) which is just these added touches that go the extra mile.

The cinematic wonderland will go beyond showcasing the latest Hollywood releases, by offering a diverse selection of films from arthouse titles, family favourites, and timeless silver screen classics.

 Boasting Lancashire’s only IMAX® screen and one of the largest in the North West – standing at a gigantic 10.85m tall and 19.87m wide you’re not going to miss a single frame on screen.

Backlot Cinema Blackpool Interior

The location is equipped with IMAX with Laser, IMAX’s most immersive theatrical experience. Immersive by design, IMAX with Laser has been developed from the ground-up to deliver crystal clear, lifelike images and precision audio for a moviegoing experience unlike anything else.

Designed to be a vibrant arts and entertainment hub, The Backlot is equipped with cutting-edge technology to host live gaming tournaments and corporate conferences.

Inside Blackpool's IMAX cinema
Credit – Sean Conboy

There will also be regular events, such as comedy nights, film festivals, diner and movie packages, and local community meet-ups, which will ensure that it becomes a cultural focal point for both local residents and Blackpool tourists.

The Backlot’s founder and owner, John Sullivan said:

As we unveil The Backlot, our vision is to create not just a cinema but a cultural haven for the Blackpool community. We believe in crafting an immersive experience that goes beyond the screen, inviting our customers to indulge in the magic of cinema with a completely bespoke programme and a delicious diner.

The Backlot is a celebration of art, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of Blackpool. Our brilliant team is ready to deliver a truly exceptional 5-star experience, where every visit will be a feast for the senses.

 Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:

We are delighted to see the brand-new, state-of-the-art cinematic experience open for all to enjoy, and have no doubt it will be popular with people of all ages, from both near and far.

The Backlot Cinema and Diner hosts one of the largest IMAX screens in the North West, showcasing blockbuster films through immersive experiences – an offer that is currently unique across Lancashire and great for our town.

Blackpool is fast becoming a destination for premium entertainment and events, providing local residents and visitors the opportunity to extend visiting time into the evening with a varied, family-friendly offer.

2024 is set to be a landmark year for Blackpool, with a number of key projects reaching completion. The fantastic multi-cinema complex forms part of our wider regeneration plan – to boost the economy, create more opportunities for work and provide a wide-ranging entertainment and leisure offer the whole family can enjoy.

Back to the Movies