A CINEMA is slashing its prices ahead of a rival operation opening in the coming weeks.
The Durham County Council run cinema at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, has reduced its prices to £5 for adults and introduced a £20 ticket for a family of five.
It comes less than two weeks before the opening of Durham's Odeon Luxe, at the Riverwalk, which is scheduled to start showing films to the general public on Wednesday, June 5.
It announced last week that its tickets will start at £8 for adults and £6 for children, with a ticket for a family of four starting at £27.
The new Odeon Luxe at The Riverwalk, Durham
Operators at The Gala, which also runs a theatre and cafe, are looking at ways of improving the long-term sustainability of the venue.
Earlier this year, Durham County Council members heard there are concerns that added competition from new cinemas in the city will result in fewer people visiting The Gala, which last year saw a 20 per cent drop in its income.
Robin Byers, Gala Theatre manager, said: “There is nothing quite like watching a blockbuster film on the big screen, but the cost can mount up if the whole family is coming along.
"We want a trip to the cinema to be more affordable, which is why we have reduced our prices and introduced a family saver ticket.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here