Penarth Pier Pavilion cinema shortlisted for national ‘Cinema of the Year’ award

The cinema at Penarth Pier Pavilion has been nominated for BIFA’s Cinema of the Year Award, placing the Vale of Glamorgan Council‑owned venue among the UK’s most celebrated independent screens.

Now in its second year, the award invites filmgoers across the country to vote for their favourite cinema, with the public deciding who makes the longlist before industry judges select the overall winner.

The nomination follows a period of rapid growth for the Penarth Pier Pavilion cinema. Earlier this year, the venue moved to a full‑time schedule, offering more than 15 screenings across five days each week. Since the council took over the pavilion in early 2021, the cinema has become a key attraction at the historic seafront landmark, drawing regular audiences and expanding its programme.

Organisers say the recognition reflects the cinema’s increasing popularity and its role in supporting local cultural life.

Cinemas nationwide were invited to enter the awards in July. Public voting closes on 21 September, with the longlist announced on 13 October. Five finalists will be revealed on 3 November, alongside the rest of BIFA’s 2026 nominees. The winner will be chosen by a jury of cinema professionals and announced at the BIFA ceremony on 6 December, held at London’s Roundhouse.

Max Martin, Cinematic Events Assistant at Penarth Pier Cinema said "Penarth Pier Pavilion Cinema is not just a cinema it’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else. As the Vale of Glamorgan’s only full-time cinema, we bring together the very best of independent, arthouse and blockbuster films from Wales and around the world, all in one of the UK’s most unique cinematic settings. We’re passionate about putting great films at the heart of our community and creating memorable experiences for everyone who walks through our doors. A Cinema of the Year nomination is a huge celebration of what we’ve built together and we’d love your vote to help put Penarth, our community and our extraordinary seaside cinema firmly on the map!"

BIFA Directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace said “The response to our first Cinema of the Year award was incredible, and we are so excited to bring it back for a second year. Last year, amazing cinemas from all over the UK entered to show just how much they mean to their local areas, and we hope to see that same brilliant support this year. This award is our way of recognising the value of independent cinemas to people and the industry, whilst celebrating the hardworking teams behind the screens and the loyal audiences who support them.”