Dumfries to get second cinema this summer
28 April, 2026
After a few false starts, The Regal Cinema will definitely open this summer.
Over 50 people crowded round a table full of popcorn and the staff of the new Regal Cinema in Morrisons cafe to hear details of what will be on offer when it open its doors in a couple of months. No specific date was given for the opening as it depends in internal refurbishments, but once those are complete, the new sound and projector system and all important entertainment license from the Council should be in place within 4 weeks.
Given a miracle, the opening film could be the new Mandalorian film, but Tristan Campbell, founder of the project thought their first screening would more likely be He Man. This is the way.
Those two blockbusters give you a flavour of what will be on offer, but the management are also keen to hear what kind of thing you’re interested to see. Info below, but first the details we learned at the meeting.
How Big?
The original 10m screen is staying and the cinema will be one screen only. However, there are plans for use the Theatre Royal as a second screen when they don’t have productions on.
The original Odeon Cinema sat 490. This will be reduced to a more comfortable 350 seat capacity that includes sofas. Regarding food, the plan is to move towards ordering from your seat, but initially it will be conventional counter service. 8 jobs have been created.
There will be coordination with the Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre to avoid clashes etc. The nature of blockbuster film distribution does mean that films will show for one or two weeks, but there will be flexibility to screen other films during the longer runs of some films. Late night screenings will be available, in the end it comes down to the length of the film and how many screenings can be fitted in. Attendees of the meeting enthusiastically recounted stories of meaningful moment that cinema had played in their life so there’s certainly room and appetite for The Regal, RBCFT and The Stove’s Reel-to-Reel to survive and thrive in the town.
How Much?
You’ll be able to book for individual films and some walk-up tickets will also be available. These will be in the region of £10. There will also be memberships called Regulars and Residents which offer discounts on tickets and food, family plans and an unlimited access plan for individuals for £225/year. Saturday morning kids' club will have reduced tickets that include a small drink and popcorn for £6.25 and Wednesday afternoon, you'll be able to get a cuppa and a biscuit with your film for the same bargain price of £6.26
WatchWord captioning
The building is still owned by Buzz Bingo and there were a lot of questions about adaptations to the building and restoration. As a business leasing the hall, Regal Cinema have some limits on the accessibility changes they can make, but one innovation that will be in place from day one is WatchWord captioning. This captioning system provides closed captioning directly the customer via a pair of special glasses rather than on screen.
I'm really looking forward to the Regal opening their doors. It's a great addition to all the great new things happening in town. So many of the people at the meeting had fond memories of the old cinema and so many memorable moments revolve around film. I saw Star Wars in Dumfries when it got its UK general release in early 1978, I watched Michael Moore's Roger and Me at the Robert Burns Centre as a teenager and I've been cheered to see numbers recover since Covid. This month we've seen sell out demand for films there whether it was Everybody to Kenmure Street or Project Hail Mary (amaze, amaze). Stories form us, help us walk in the shoes of others. Cinema amplifies those stories and they stick with us. Now there's even more for everyone. Follow the Regal on Instagram @regaldumfries for news of the opening date, and I wish them, as Rocky from Project Hail Mary would say, "Words of encouragement."
