‘I don’t touch my phone. At home, I’d be scrolling’: why young people are flocking to independent cinemas

Young people are drawn in by the promise of a ‘no-distractions’ zone, rereleases of old classics and music documentaries by global artistsA new generation of film lovers is helping to drive an increase in cinema attendance across the UK. As the industry slowly recovers from the decline of audiences during the pandemic – there were 126.5m admissions in 2024 compared with 176.1m in 2019, the rise in younger people returning to cinema may be due to a newfound love for film developed during the lockdown years. Although figures are yet to be restored to pre-pandemic levels, admission rates are continuing to increase, and it is younger audiences in particular who are showing significant enthusiasm, with figures from the Cinema Advertising Association suggesting that under-35s make up 50% of cinemagoers across the board.This is a proportion, which includes all cinemas including mainstream multiplexes, has held steady over the last few years but the effect appears particularly marked on the independent cinema circuit. Curzon, which operates 16 venues across the UK, reports there has been a clear shift over the past six years in young people overtaking older audiences. In 2019, the biggest age demographic of Curzon attendees was 65+, followed by 55-64. In 2025, however, the dominant age group is 25-34 – rising from 16% in 2019 to 31% in 2025 – followed by 18-25 (growing from 17% to 24% over the same period). Continue reading...

Comments

Culture

Leonardo DiCaprio reveals his ‘biggest regret’ after turning down surprising 90s role

Metro

Comments

Culture

Leonardo DiCaprio reveals his ‘biggest regret’ after turning down surprising 90s role

Netflix reveals major TV return for unrecognisable Peaky Blinders legend

James Cameron struggling to write ‘new Terminator film’ over stark sci-fi fears

Lil Wayne fans upset after rapper cancels concert at last minute due to ‘unforeseen illness’

Angelina Jolie could be the latest celebrity to quit the US. Here is who else has left over Trump’s agenda

Disney Channel star says they felt ‘suffocated’ under weight of Demi Lovato’s ‘power’

You can now binge all 6 episodes of ‘wall-to-wall action’ Amazon Prime spy thriller

Band ‘devastated’ after being forced to pull out of Reading and Leeds

Boardmasters Festival 2025 responds to viral claims of spiking and sexual assault

Leonard Tow, Cable TV Magnate and a Major Philanthropist, Dies at 97

James Bond film dubbed ‘the best’ by fans finally hits free streaming service

Kid Cudi ‘hated every minute’ of Diddy trial testimony after twice refusing to take stand

Inside Emma and Matt Willis’ 20-year romance as Love Is Blind UK returns to Netflix

The five banned South Park that are too offensive for streaming

Princess Andre, 18, supported after feeling ‘anxious’ wearing a bikini

Harvey Weinstein to be tried for third time in New York after mistrial

BBC apologises after Jenrick accused of xenophobia

Spider-Man seen swinging into action in Glasgow amid filming of Brand New Day

Timothee Chalamet attempts to charm Gwyneth Paltrow in Marty Supreme trailer

A dogged reporter takes on a mysterious cabal in 'The Diary of Lies'

Beyoncé Wins First Emmy for N.F.L. Halftime Show

Johnny Depp could return as Captain Jack Sparrow according to Pirates of the Caribbean producer

Star of Amazon Prime’s most violent series shares emotional post ahead of final season

Destination X’s casting decisions are holding it back from success

Animation smashes Netflix record in days becoming second most-watched film

60s rock icon reveals reason he’s skipping Hall of Fame induction after 40 years of eligibility

Leonardo DiCaprio says ‘biggest regret’ is turning down ‘masterpiece’ 1997 movie

Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova shares photo from hospital bed after ‘scary’ fall

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies says it will not define his legacy

Repair Shop guest breaks down as gran’s Second World War diary is restored

Zoë Kravitz says she ‘destroyed’ Taylor Swift’s bathroom after losing pet snake

Yungblud: ‘Ozzy Osbourne stood for being yourself, without compromise’

TV fans call new sci-fi series a ‘masterpiece’ after just two episodes

Vince McMahon claims Hulk Hogan ‘wasn’t racist’ but ‘said some racist things’

Amazon’s biggest show sounded like hot garbage – now I’m completely hooked

Fans predict being ’emotionally wrecked’ after first look at acting legend’s comeback

Real-life tragedy that inspired terrifying horror hit Weapons

Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show receives record audience spike thanks to Fox News guest

Demi Lovato says Jonas Brothers reunion for Camp Rock songs was ‘healing’

Stephen King reveals his perfect ending to the ‘Trump horror story’

Are we living in the movie Her yet?

The Joe Rogan Experience is a mirror for America

The 25 pieces of culture that explain the last 25 years

How The Fellowship of the Ring explains post-9/11 America

WWE legend Charles Robinson rushed to hospital after animal attack

Amazon’s biggest show sounded like hot garbage – now I’m completely hooked

Diana Ross, 81, sparks concern after pulling out of performance due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’

TV presenter Jay Blades appears in court charged with two counts of rape

‘Honour their memory’: Dolly Parton shares her advice on grief for Kelly Clarkson after ex-husband’s death

Strictly Come Dancing announces Ru Paul’s Drag Race star La Voix as seventh contestant for 2025 series

Daniel Day-Lewis makes acting return after retirement with first look at new film

Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog finally provides pub essential after complaints

Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova taken to hospital after ‘nasty’ rehearsal fall

Pirates of the Caribbean producer ‘thinks’ Johnny Depp will return in new movie

The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades to appear in court charged with rape

‘I thought Love Is Blind UK season 2 was cursed – but I was wrong’

Love Is Blind: UK Season 2 on Netflix review: vapid, empty, boring

The rise (and fall?) of Tyler Perry

One movie went from zero to hero 50 years ago – here’s why it’s still going strong today

21 fan theories that will completely change the way you watch iconic movies