It’s the news we have been waiting for as Merlin Cinemas’ Strand Cinema Rhyl, formerly the Vue, which closed in early 2025, will reopen on Friday, 19th December, bringing audiences a programme of new releases and beloved festive classics.
Merlin Cinemas began 35 years ago with the historic single-screen cinema in Penzance. Since then, they have saved several traditional cinemas from closure and repurposed several other heritage buildings to provide or retain cinemas, literally from Penzance, near Land’s End, to Thurso, near John O’Groats.
Before opening, essential work is being carried out to ensure a comfortable visit, with further refurbishment and enhancements continuing over time, marking an exciting period of renewal for this well-known venue.
Situated on Rhyl’s promenade, the cinema has gone by other names since opening in the mid-1990s. Its reopening as Strand Cinema marks a fresh chapter for a town with a proud entertainment heritage.
Families can enjoy affordable ticket prices, starting from £2.50 for older titles and from just £4 for the latest films with a Movie Magic discount card.
Strand Cinema Rhyl will open with major new films, including Avatar: Fire & Ash, the latest instalment in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise, all-new family features Zootropolis 2, The SpongeBob Movie: Search For Squarepants, and Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2024 musical sensation, with further titles still to be announced.
Merlin’s seasonal Christmas Crackers programme also offers great value, screening classic Christmas films to watch with the family, including Elf and The Polar Express. And regular subtitled and relaxed (autism-friendly) screenings will also be part of the ongoing programme.
Great Savings at Strand Cinema Rhyl
Great savings can be made all year with the Movie Magic Discount Card, offering big-screen entertainment from as little as £4 if booked in person, or £5 when booking online. The scheme also includes savings on popcorn and snacks, making it easier than ever to treat the whole family.
Geoff Greaves, Director of Merlin Cinemas, said, “We’re pleased to be able to bring the big screen back to Rhyl. Seeing a film at the cinema with family or friends is a very different experience to watching the film at home. With the latest digital projection and sound, it is more memorable and offers a sense of occasion. With the additional availability of private hires and school screenings, I believe cinema is a valuable social amenity.”
Here at Blazing Minds, we can’t wait to visit the cinema and check out the films and more, so keep your eyes peeled for further updates.
So make a note in your diaries, folks, when the Strand Cinema Rhyl opens on the 19th of December, you can find out more about the Strand Cinema Rhyl and their other venues via the Merlin Cinemas website.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
