By Andy Spearman
I couldn’t believe it when the Arc Cinema got in touch last week to say they were celebrating ten years since the opening of their state of the art cinema in Drogheda and would I like to come along.
I couldn’t make it last night but I remember the official opening well, it was a great night, but surely it can’t have been ten years ago! So I checked my photo archive and sure enough there were the pics I took on July 9th 2014.
The star of the show back then was a DeLorean gull wing car from the Back to the Future films which Doc Brown turned into a time machine. Everyone wanted to sit behind the wheel of the car, maybe that’s what has happened to the last ten years!
Yesterday (July 11) ARC Drogheda celebrated a decade of entertaining the local community with a spectacular tenth birthday and marked the occasion with two exclusive screenings of the highly anticipated film “Fly Me To The Moon,” starring Scarlet Johansson and Channing Tatum, two days before its general release- courtesy of Sony Pictures.
Among the guests from the local community who last night packed out the Arc, which has grown to become Drogheda’s No. 1 family cinema, were journalist Alison Comyn, actor Baz Black (KIN), film critic Niall O’Brien and LMFM presenter Cabrina Conaty.
Alison was also at the opening party ten years ago and was one of many who tried out the Back to the Future car back then and certainly the intervening decade has been kind to her, she looks better than ever!
There was no De Lorean time machine last night but attendees were greeted by two Star Wars storm troopers who posed for photos, adding a touch of galactic flair to the evening.
Guests also enjoyed complimentary Prosecco and canapés before heading into the auditorium, where free popcorn awaited them—a delightful treat that has become a standard at The Arc Cinema, with every ticket now including complimentary popcorn!
The event was held in the newly refurbished HYPERSENSE auditorium, Drogheda’s only Premium Large Format cinema experience. This state-of-the-art facility features a huge curved screen, Dolby Atmos® surround sound, luxury recliner seating, and 4K digital projection, providing an unmatched cinematic experience.
Nick Furlong, the company director, delivered a heartfelt speech to the packed auditorium of 140 competition winners during the second screening. He spoke about the cinema’s journey over the past decade, highlighting its resilience through the pandemic and the recent Hollywood strikes, and thanking customers for their loyal support over the last ten years.
When asked why he thinks the cinema has endured, General Manager Graham Kelly says, “I think it comes down to our unwavering commitment to the community. We focus on the personal touches and family-friendly environment that make every visit special.
“We’ve never lost sight of why people come to the cinema – for escapism, to experience stories and emotions on the big screen, and to create lasting memories with loved ones. Our recent refurbishment and the introduction of the HYPERSENSE auditorium are testaments to our dedication to providing the best possible experience for our patrons.”
The Arc Cinema Drogheda opened its doors exactly ten years ago, and has since gone from strength to strength, continuously adapting and enhancing its services to meet the needs and expectations of its audience. It’s success is proof that the best way to watch a film is on the big screen.
The major refurbishment in Spring 2023 has positioned the cinema as a leading entertainment venue in Drogheda, offering cutting-edge technology and luxurious comfort.
