BY IAN CROUCH

After more than 3 years of COVID hiatus, the iconic Regal Cinema at Birmingham Gardens is set to re-open later this month.

The popular independent cinema was forced to close in March 2020, coinciding with the first Covid lockdown.

With the help of a successful Commonwealth Grant application, the cinema will stage the Newcastle International Film Festival running over the long weekend from Friday September 29.

The cinema will screen 9 films and hold a series of free screen industry workshops across the weekend.

Manager, George Merryman says the cinema is re-opening on a trial basis and further screenings will be held subject to the success of the festival.

The Regal Cinema to re-open on September 29