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 including sofas. Regarding food, the plan is to move towards ordering from your seat, but initially it will be conventional counter service.
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 snacks for £6.25
