Hire the Cinema at Firstsite: Where big ideas take centre stage

A Cinema that knows how to make an entrance

One of my favourite moments in the cinema wasn’t during a film at all.

It was when Ferrari visited Firstsite and we transformed the tiered seating lights to glow entirely red. For a few moments, the whole space felt completely different – sleek, dramatic and perfectly matched to the event.

The only thing that rivals that memory is accidentally walking into a screening about the latest advances in 3D eye surgery. Safe to say, that was an experience I wasn’t expecting!

That’s the thing about our cinema. It has a habit of surprising people.

Most people picture it as somewhere to watch films, but behind the screen is one of the most versatile event spaces in the building.

Whether you’re delivering a keynote, launching a product, hosting a conference or bringing people together to share ideas, the cinema has become a surprisingly adaptable space for all kinds of events.

Built for presentations that matter

Every great presentation relies on more than just good content. People need to see clearly, hear every word and stay comfortable enough to stay engaged.

Our large cinema screen, professional AV equipment and dedicated technical support help create exactly that environment.

The recent addition of our “Voice of God” microphone has added even more flexibility for presenters, making talks and conferences feel polished from start to finish.

But it isn’t just about the technology.

Rather than simply being a place to consume content, the cinema has become a space where conversations happen, ideas are shared and audiences stay engaged.

More than just one room

What really makes the cinema stand out is everything around it.

The Foyer and Curve comfortably accommodate around 30 exhibition tables, creating an ideal networking space that can even benefit from the natural footfall of visitors moving through the building.

For more private events, the cinema connects directly to our Studios, which can host up to 16 exhibitors around the edge of the room.

When exhibitions aren’t part of the plan, the Studios become an excellent breakout area for refreshments, lunch or informal networking.

A recent police conference welcomed more than 100 delegates, with registration taking place at the building’s main entrance before guests naturally moved between the cinema, Studios and social spaces throughout the day.

With each area connecting so easily, people can move around the building naturally rather than feeling like the event is confined to one room.

The flexibility also means conferences, exhibitions and networking events can exist either as completely private hires or alongside activity within the gallery itself, giving organisers the option to create a more connected experience while making the most of the building.

Not just for conferences

While conferences are a natural fit, the cinema really comes into its own in the evenings.

We’ve hosted film festivals, private screenings, team celebrations and community events, working closely with the council to ensure everything is in place behind the scenes.

If you’re planning a private screening, we’d always recommend booking well in advance so we have plenty of time to make sure everything runs smoothly.

There’s something genuinely special about having an entire cinema to yourselves, whether that’s watching a favourite film with friends, celebrating a milestone, or premiering a film created by someone from the local community.

The spaces behind the scenes

Just behind the cinema are two meeting rooms that often become the unsung heroes of an event.

They work perfectly as speaker green rooms, production offices or secure storage spaces, making them an ideal addition when booking the cinema as part of a larger event package.

Small stage. Big impact.

While the cinema isn’t designed for large-scale theatre productions with changing scenery, it’s a surprisingly effective space for performances that rely on intimacy, storytelling and connection.

It’s equally valuable as an addition to conferences, exhibitions and corporate events, offering organisers a memorable space that adds another dimension to the experience for delegates and guests.

Hire the Cinema for your next event

Whether you’re planning an exhibition, conference, away day, product launch or something completely original, the cinema is ready to adapt to your ideas.

We’ve seen the space used in all sorts of ways, and that’s probably what makes it so enjoyable to work with. Bring us your idea, and we’ll help you work out how to make it happen.