Iconic landmark The Plaza transformed into new music venue

Former cinema turned bingo hall The Plaza is set to become a vibrant new music venue.

A dedicated team of enthusiasts have been working behind the scenes to revive this much loved art deco Grade 2 listed building.

The Plaza is being restored to its former glory

Built in 1928, it was a cinema until the 1960s when it became a bingo hall and has stood vacant since 2011.

Indie music legend Peter Doherty was the first major musician to perform in the Plaza in 2019 in a bid to fund restoration to host regular gigs and events.

A large chandelier greets people in the entrance foyer

Owner Will Godfrey, whose grandfather opened the cinema, said:"It is such a beautiful building. We are trying our best to restore it.

"Our aim is to provide a hub for the arts, music and community of Northwich. It will be a great asset for the town."

The shape of the cinema ceiling gives the venue perfect acoustics

Sixties folk rock band Fairport Convention will be on stage on October 20 and a Christmas fun weekend has been unveiled, starring a top Queen tribute band.

Jon Houghton, from The Plaza, said: "It is great to have this original cinema and preserve it as a music venue.

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"We are working with a close knit team of skilled people, builders and electricians to slowly bring the building back to life.

The upstairs balcony still has the original theatre seats

"There has been an endless amount of work. We have refurbished the foyer and the front, refitted the bar and completely rewired the emergency lighting. The flat roof is being done at the moment.

"We have restored the stage to its original size.

"Seating capacity is 500. Once the balcony is restored we hope to have 1,000, which will make it the biggest venue in Northwich."

Any historic finds are treasured.

The Plaza hosts wedding receptions and will apply for a licence if there is enough demand so couples could get married at the venue

"We found the original neon sign used outside and it now has pride of place above the stage," said Jon. "It is exciting. We have also ventured into wedding receptions."

To book tickets for Fairport Convention visit skiddle.com/e/35787154/