THE Curzon cinema in Knutsford is due to open later this month or in August as lockdown restrictions ease.

Philip Knatchbull, the CEO of Curzon, said Curzon Canterbury would open on July 24, followed by Curzon Mayfair a week later.

He said: “The partial reopening is to ensure we have all the safeguarding measures in place for the wellbeing of our customers and staff.

“We will then begin a staggered reopening plan for our other venues through the rest of July and August. We will be taking comprehensive health and safety precautions and our cinema staff have undergone the necessary training.

“The safety measures in place will include clear signage, sanitation stations, allocated seating, social distancing plans, contactless payments, staggered film times and enhanced cleaning. We will be on hand to advise and help customers feel comfortable and secure.

“We look forward to welcoming you all back with open but socially distanced arms."

Curzon Knutsford is a refurbished, three-screen cinema, which was renovated in the autumn of 2018.

Having operated as a cinema since the 1930s, the screen names pay tribute to local history.

The Cranford screen is named in honour of Elizabeth Gaskell and her novels which chronicle Knutsford life.

The Marcliff screen references the name the cinema bore when it was founded, when it hosted screenings and variety shows, until the 1960s.

The largest screen, the Studio, honours the name of the cinema as it was known to residents for most of its life.