Woolton Picture House calls on schools and families to support its future

Following a hugely successful run of Valentine’s screenings, the campaign to save Liverpool’s oldest cinema, Woolton Picture House, has reached an encouraging milestone. The cinema is now preparing to launch its most ambitious screening programme yet: “The Final Countdown.” The campaign will end 8 May 2026 so the team is calling on local schools, families, and education partners to help secure the future of the much‑loved cinema.

Community support drives new phase of the campaign

The fundraising initiative is backed by overwhelming community support. The recent “Reel Love” season of Valentine’s screenings raised £15,000. This took the total fund to £275,000. The campaign has also been boosted by the donation of a new heating system and the loan of a professional projector.

The project has now entered a decisive phase. Its aim is to raise £450,000 by 8 May 2026. These funds will be used to purchase the building and bring the cinema into full community ownership. Fundraising will then continue toward the wider £700,000 restoration goal.

Kevin Fearon is a lead volunteer on the campaign. He says the latest screenings have highlighted why preserving the Picture House matters so deeply. He comments:

“People have proved that they want to use this beautiful building, they want to come and see films here.

“From our surveys, we know that they want to do other things such as community-focused events like coffee mornings, yoga, and Pilates. They want a place for people to come to within the community that isn’t a restaurant or a bar.”

Introducing “The Final Countdown” screening series

Now, the cinema is preparing to launch its newest screening programme: “The Final Countdown.” The team is yet to reveal the full lineup, but they promise a celebratory selection of films that will bring together families, young people and the wider community.

The revival of Woolton Picture House represents more than the restoration of a historic venue. The team’s long‑term vision includes creating a cultural hub where all generations can experience film, creativity, heritage and the arts in an accessible, local setting.

A final push toward community ownership

Kevin added:

“The support from the community has been so great that we know we can reach this higher target with just a bit more time.

“Thanks to our incredible volunteers and the local businesses who stepped up with technical support, we’ve proven that this cinema isn’t just a building-it’s a living part of Liverpool.”

As the campaign enters its final phase, the team is inviting schools, families and education organisations to help protect the cinema for generations to come. Whether through buying a ticket or making a donation, every contribution brings the Picture House closer to community ownership.

Tickets on sale soon

Tickets for the final series will go on sale on Saturday 7 March 2026. Purchase via the Woolton Picture House campaign website: https://www.wooltoncinema.com/tickets.