Babylon Cinema at The Maltings in Ely has released a film trailer and virtual tour ahead of its reopening on Thursday May 20.

The cinema, which has been closed to the public since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will reopen with "enhanced safety and hygiene procedures in place for a safe and enjoyable movie-going experience", say organisers.

Ely Standard: Babylon Cinema's new socially-distanced ‘micro-cabaret-style’ seating arrangement at The Maltings can be viewed on a 360° degree virtual tour. It means customers can see exactly where their table is, before booking their seats.Babylon Cinema's new socially-distanced ‘micro-cabaret-style’ seating arrangement at The Maltings can be viewed on a 360° degree virtual tour. It means customers can see exactly where their table is, before booking their seats. (Image: BABYLON ARTS)

Movie fans will be able to watch award-winning films including Oscar-winners Nomadland and Minari and, just in time for half-term, Disney’s family film, Raya and the Last Dragon.

The new socially distanced ‘micro-cabaret-style’ seating arrangement can be viewed on a 360° degree virtual tour, which means customers can see exactly where their table is, before booking their seats.

Ely Standard: Babylon Cinema has released a film trailer and virtual tour ahead of its reopening. One of the films being shown is Nomadland.Babylon Cinema has released a film trailer and virtual tour ahead of its reopening. One of the films being shown is Nomadland. (Image: BABYLON ARTS)

Claire Somerville, Babylon ARTS’ chief executive, said: "After this long lockdown, we’re excited to welcome back audiences and to give them a chance to escape into film and for that big screen, communal experience that’s so magical about cinema.

“It’s been quite a journey for everyone and as part of the re-launch we’ve worked with Peterborough Films to produce a cinematic film trailer for our cinema.

Ely Standard: Babylon Cinema has released a film trailer and virtual tour ahead of its reopening. One of the films being shown is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.Babylon Cinema has released a film trailer and virtual tour ahead of its reopening. One of the films being shown is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. (Image: BABYLON ARTS)

"We think it captures the build-up of excitement we’re feeling about getting the doors open again.

“What’s also special about our independent cinema is that audience members can order their drinks from the bar to enjoy at their tables, whilst watching the film.”

Tickets are now available for Babylon Cinema’s reopening programme - from Thursday May 20 to Sunday June 13.