National Cinema Day, celebrated annually on the 31st of August, is a day dedicated to the magic of movies and the joy of going to the cinema.
The day is all about celebrating the experience of watching films on the big screen and taking a break from your usual routine, head to your local cinema, and immerse yourself in the storytelling, visuals, and communal experience that only the cinema can provide.
You're invited to join us for a double whammy of National Cinema Day this year - as we will also be packing in double the celebration at special events taking place on Saturday 30th, too!
What's on for National Cinema Days at the Electric Palace:
Saturday 30 August 2025
10.30am - 3.30pm: Electric Palace Open House
Drop in any time throughout the day for film memorabilia and merch, and great movie-related gifts! All donations will help support the Electric Palace, your local community cinema, still surviving despite increasing costs, decreasing audiences and continuing challenges with our building.
4pm: The Smallest Show on Earth
Classic comedy in which a couple inherits a failing movie theatre, appropriately nicknamed "The Flea Pit", and the three eccentric senior citizens who work there.
Heartfelt big screen documentary about the riotous inside story of the infamous sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll repertory cinema which inspired a generation during Britain's turbulent Thatcher years.
Sunday 31 August 2025
11am: Bon and the West
Award-winning documentary about how Bön's methods and practices for finding compassion and joy, amidst the technological and often chaotic world are being embraced by modern students.
3pm: Haunted Movie Buildings of Hastings and Bexhill aka Those Killer Things plus Artist Talk
An art exhibition of paintings, sketches and artefacts based on the fascinating and sometimes bloody history of cinemas in Hastings and Bexhill through the ages. Artist Talk from Mercedes Burne-Hramseig at 3pm, and surprise celebratory film at 4pm. No need to book - it's free and first come first served: just show up and enjoy the event!
4pm: Surprise Screening! No need to book - just show up and enjoy the surprise! (Family friendly film).
7.30pm: B Movie: Plan 9 from Outer Space
Plan Nine from Outer Space was the first B Movie ever shown at the Electric Palace, as part of our B Movie Fan Club, a monthly gathering of low-budget horror/sci-fi fans, but welcome to everyone.
National Cinema Day is not just about entertainment; it’s a celebration of the art of filmmaking and the important role that cinemas play in our communities. Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, documentaries and more, we hope you'll join us to appreciate the unique experience of watching a film in a cinema, surrounded by fellow film fans, and to keep the tradition of cinema-going alive.
So we hope you will grab this great opportunity to support your local cinema, enjoy the refreshments at the bar, and maybe even discover a new favourite film!
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