I'm standing outside the fabulous, Art Deco, Stand Cinema on the Holywood road one of Belfast's best recognised local landmark buildings because of its 1930s style of architecture. This 1930s Art Deco building in the east of the city was designed to resemble a ship with curved walls and porthole-shaped foyer lights: a reflection of its proximity to the shipyard. The building was renovated in 1999 and looks particularly striking when illuminated at night. It continues to operate as a family-friendly cinema with screenings of major Hollywood movies and a minors club each Saturday morning. An added Arts Centre element delivers a lively programme of performances and creative classes through the year. The Strand Arts Centre is an independent four-screen cinema in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is one of the two remaining independent cinemas in Belfast, alongside the Queen's Film Theatre. It is located on the Holywood Road. It has long been acclaimed for being one of the cheapest cinemas in Belfast. Opened in 1935, the cinema's design was influenced by its proximity to the nearby shipyard of Harland & Wolff, featuring curved walls and portholed foyer. The cinema underwent various unsympathetic renovations throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In 1999, the building was restored to its original Streamline Moderne style, and remains a landmark in east Belfast. The Strand is one of the venues for the Belfast Film Festival, during which it screens classic films. During the 2005 festival the cinema celebrated its 70th birthday by screening A Night to Remember, the 1958 film about the sinking of RMS Titanic, built by Harland & Wolff.

Comments

1. i have been in there twice only, the first time was to see a film in the 1970`s , i think
   it was the original Doctor Doolittle and the second time was to see the
   Drifters live on stage.
   
   what a fantastic place and very versatile oozing with personality ,another
   great report from you Tom, the only place like it was the Tonic Bangor.
   
   I just heard today the very Last ABC cinema has closed in England.
2. This building looks like something you would see on Sunset Strip going West Hollywood. It's looks well maintained, good to see it's also a history site.
3. 1st. Happy New Year.