Vue Basildon town centre officially opened this morning

Councillor Allan Davies, Basildon's mayor, joined the council's director of resources Owen Sparks, Vue UK and Ireland general manager Toby Bradon, and the team at the new East Square site to officially open the new venue.

Inside - the entrance (Image: Roy Davis)

Each of the ten screens at Vue Basildon features stadium-tiered, luxury leather seating alongside Vue’s Recliner seats, high definition 4K screens, Laser Digital projection systems and Dolby Atmos multi-dimensional sound in selected screens.

The new cinema has been heavily delayed since it was first announced back in 2020, with a series of hiccups in the construction before chain Empire pulled out of the deal when it fell into administration - with the keys handed over to Vue earlier this year.

Opening - The ribbon cutting ceremony (Image: Vue Basildon)

Toby Bradon, general manager of Vue UK and Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to finally be able to welcome Basildon customers to the big screen experience at Vue, and also to be able to do our part for the local community with our brand new Pick and Fix initiative, which we are launching in Basildon for the very first time.

“We look forward to showcasing some fantastic local projects on the big screen at Basildon, as well as playing a part in allowing them to come to life.”

Cinema-goers wait inside a screen (Image: Roy Davis)

Mr Bradon announced a new initiative to support Basildon charities and organisations to coincide with the venue’s opening, inviting them to register their interest in Vue’s Pick and Fix programme to be in with a chance of not just receiving a share of £10,000, but also starring on the big screen.

Owen Sparks, Alan Davies and Toby Bradon (Image: Vue Basildon)

Owen Sparks, strategic director of resources at Basildon Council, added: “I am really pleased to join the mayor of Basildon, councillor Alan Davies, and Toby Bradon from Vue to open the venue today. It will be great to see families and friends enjoying films and entertainment as part of the start of our regeneration of the town centre.

“I was also pleased to hear about their exciting Pic and Fix local grant scheme. This will benefit numerous community groups and charities from around the borough. A really generous initiative.”

The cinema boasts a special M&M pick and mix (Image: Vue Basildon)

Applications will open for the Pick and Fix scheme soon. A panel will select a shortlist of three, who will see their stories played on the big screen at Vue Basildon, so customers can find out more about their projects, before voting for the group that will receive the first prize of £5,000.

Screens - inside the venue (Image: Vue Basildon)

For those not sure what to watch first at the new venue, there’s a lot to be excited about, including two of Marvel’s most iconic characters returning in Deadpool and Wolverine, disaster movie sequel Twisters, and family-friendly blockbusters Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, Bluey, plus every live-action Spider-Man film.

To find out more, visit myvue.com/basildon.