Located in Houndshill Shopping Centre’s new extension, the cinema and diner will bring the very best entertainment to the heart of the Blackpool community.

The cinematic wonderland will feature Blackpool’s only IMAX screen and one of the largest in the North West. The screen, measuring 10.85m high and 19.87m wide, will be equipped with the company’s most advanced theatrical experience, IMAX with Laser. Immersive by design, IMAX with Laser has been developed from the ground-up to deliver crystal clear, lifelike images and precision audio for a moviegoing experience unlike anything else. Tickets are on sale now to experience Denis Villeneuve’s much-anticipated sequel, Dune: Part Two from 22 March in the cinema’s premier IMAX screen.

At The Backlot you will be able to experience the latest Hollywood releases, arthouse titles, event cinema and past big screen favourites. The Easter holidays will be a cinematic feast, featuring upcoming big screen hits such as Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Kung Fu Panda 4 and special 60th anniversary screening of Mary Poppins.

The Backlot has been designed to create a unique arts and entertainment hub for both the local community and Blackpool visitors. It will be the new place in town to host events, from corporate conferences and birthday parties to comedy nights, live gaming tournaments and local community meet ups. Whatever the occasion, The Backlot will offer something beyond your wildest expectations!

Complementing the big screen, The Backlot’s 100-seater diner will serve fresh burgers, hotdogs and wings, along with a delicious range of desserts, including American style pancakes, indulgent sundaes and thick milkshakes.

The Backlot’s business manager, Fabio Vidotti says:

Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Levelling Up – Place, said:

The Backlot is currently offering an exclusive pre-opening membership offer. Become an A-List member today to get your name on one of the seats in the IMAX screen, access to a special pre-opening tour and screening, 10 free cinema tickets for the year, £5 film tickets on Mondays, 20% off film tickets on Sundays to Thursdays, a free popcorn every Wednesday, 10% off cinema snacks and so much more! (Terms and conditions apply. More details).

Tickets are available to purchase.

About the Backlot Cinema and Diner

The Backlot Cinema and Diner is located in the vibrant heart of Blackpool within the new extension of Houndshill Shopping Centre. Blackpool’s new cinematic wonderland will feature the town’s only IMAX screen with state-of-the-art laser projection and immersive audio. From the latest Hollywood releases to independent gems, event cinema and big screen classics, The Backlot promises a range of cinematic delights. Complementing the cinematic adventure is The Backlot Diner, offering an all-day menu with delicious burgers, hotdogs, wings, and a selection of desserts, including indulgent pancakes, sundaes, and thick milkshakes. The Backlot Cinema and Diner will provide a unique and immersive entertainment experience for both the local community and visitors.

About IMAX

IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of September 30, 2023, there were 1,731 IMAX systems (1,651commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 68 institutional) operating in 87 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970."

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®,IMAX LIVE™, IMAX Enhanced®, Stream Smart™ and SSIMWAVE® are trademarks and tradenames of IMAX Corporation or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. More information. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (), YouTube .

Funding

The overall scheme has been facilitated by £5m of funding from the government’s COVID-19 Getting Building Fund, following formal approval by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in October 2020. Blackpool Council will fund the balance of the scheme through prudential borrowing.

Further information about the Getting Building Fund.

Houndshill Shopping Centre extension

The completed Phase 2 scheme will deliver:

● Over 100 jobs created both directly through the scheme and locally
● 0.5 acres of brownfield land developed
● 76,500 sq. ft. of new commercial floorspace
● Approx. over 260 construction jobs created over the build period
● An increase of 1.2m shoppers and visitors to the Houndshill Shopping Centre