BRIDGWATER's new 40-seat cinema housed within a former hay barn has officially opened to the public.

The Clayhill Arts Cinebarn, located on Charlynch Lane, launched with a well-attended open evening on Wednesday, August 17.

Attendees were given a chance to shape the cinema's programme of films with a Q&A session and dedicated discussion time. 

There was also a Q&A session, free food and drinks, and a film quiz to win tickets to future showings. 

The Cinebarn will host its first screening on Tuesday, August 23 with a showing of West Side Story, Steven Spielberg's Oscar and BAFTA-winning musical. 

The film will start at 6pm. Tickets will cost £5 and are available to buy from the Clayhill Arts website.

The Cinebarn is managed by co-owner Michael Parkes, who enjoyed a successful career in film education before taking on the new venture.

Bridgwater Mercury: The Clayhill Arts Cinebarn. Picture: Steve RichardsonThe Clayhill Arts Cinebarn. Picture: Steve Richardson

A spokesperson said: “The Cinebarn has been built inside a converted Dutch barn on the site at Clayhill Arts.

“Clayhill was a working farm until 2015, when new owners Michael and Deborah Parkes converted the site into a new visual arts education centre.

“The Cinebarn was an idea started during the pandemic to offer the local community access to the latest independent and mainstream films for the local community in an intimate and unique setting.

“The Cinebarn boasts great picture and sound quality, a four-metre wide screen, deckchairs for seating, and access for anyone with mobility issues.

“Locally sourced refreshments are on sale as well as an opportunity to meet other film fans!”

Gallery: Opening night at the Clayhill Arts Cinebarn

Bridgwater Mercury: Belinda and Mike Drew inside the new Cinebarn. Pictures: Steve RichardsonBelinda and Mike Drew inside the new Cinebarn. Pictures: Steve Richardson

Bridgwater Mercury: David Gliddon and Rachel Olley enjoy food and refreshments at the Cinebarn's launch event.David Gliddon and Rachel Olley enjoy food and refreshments at the Cinebarn's launch event.

Bridgwater Mercury: Paul and Fiona Johnson with Helen Tasker. Paul and Fiona Johnson with Helen Tasker.

Bridgwater Mercury: Liz Bell and David Taylor with the Cinebarn's popcorn.Liz Bell and David Taylor with the Cinebarn's popcorn.

Bridgwater Mercury: Natasha Bond and Eve Clist.Natasha Bond and Eve Clist.

Bridgwater Mercury: Lorraine Marshall and Vikki Page.Lorraine Marshall and Vikki Page.

Bridgwater Mercury: Julia and James Handy.Julia and James Handy.

Bridgwater Mercury: Vicky and Richard Robinson.Vicky and Richard Robinson.

Bridgwater Mercury: Kim Ursell and Heather Dixon.Kim Ursell and Heather Dixon.

Bridgwater Mercury: Dave and Leila in front of the Cinebarn's four-metre screen.Dave and Leila in front of the Cinebarn's four-metre screen.

Bridgwater Mercury: Judy and Robert Adcock.Judy and Robert Adcock.

Bridgwater Mercury: Peter Sedgwick and Sian Sedgwick-Wilde.Peter Sedgwick and Sian Sedgwick-Wilde.

Bridgwater Mercury: Richard Longworth and Richard Price on the Cinebarn's deckchairs.Richard Longworth and Richard Price on the Cinebarn's deckchairs.