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Cinema Passion Project Revives Dumfries Odeon
2 Oct
Summary
- A former Odeon cinema in Dumfries is set to reopen after years of closure.
- Tristan Campbell, a whisky distiller, is leading the ambitious restoration project.
- Community support has been vital in overcoming numerous delays and challenges.
The historic 470-seater former Odeon in Dumfries is poised for a grand reopening, marking a significant return for large-scale cinema in the town after its closure in 2018. This ambitious revival is spearheaded by Tristan Campbell, a whisky distiller with a lifelong passion for vintage cinemas. Campbell's dedication, fueled by fond childhood memories of moviegoing, has driven the extensive restoration over the past two years.
Campbell converted his own garage into a home cinema as a "trial run" before undertaking the much larger project in Dumfries. He acknowledges the journey has been significantly longer and more challenging than anticipated, with numerous hurdles and delays encountered. However, the unwavering goodwill and support from the Dumfries community have been instrumental in sustaining his perseverance through these difficult times.
General manager Kelly Pritchard, who has cherished memories of the venue, shares Campbell's excitement. She emphasized the importance of preserving the "community feel" and re-establishing the cinema's former buzz. Referencing successful reopenings elsewhere, Campbell is confident that with focused energy, the Dumfries Odeon can thrive by offering a unique shared experience that modern multiplexes often lack.
