HOLLYWOOD could soon be coming to St Ives as plans are being prepared to use the refurbished Corn Exchange as a cinema.

HOLLYWOOD could soon be coming to St Ives as plans are being prepared to use the refurbished Corn Exchange as a cinema.

Initially, it would show films one Sunday a month, but this could be extended to include a film club for children during the school holidays and special one-off screenings for occasions such a fright night for Halloween.

The cinema equipment would also be available for private hire in the Corn Exchange.

However, before the stars of the silver screen become the latest attraction at the Corn Exchange, the fundraising must begin.

ACE, the friends of the Corn Exchange group, is looking to raise a few thousand pounds to equip the hall with a projector and screen as well as upgrade the speakers.

The more the volunteers of ACE can raise, the better equipment can be installed.

Fundraiser Gilly Jackson told The Hunts Post: “The film showings would be on one Sunday evening a month plus special showings on various occasions, such as children’s films in the holidays and half term.

“It would be fantastic for St Ives to be able to show films at the Corn Exchange.”

The fundraising kicks off next weekend with an evening called A Bit of A Do.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, November 20, from 7.30pm includes live music and dancing to the band, Midlife Crisis, supper and auction.

The Corn Exchange has received a further boost with a �10,000 windfall to provide a new stage.

The Donarbon Community Fund provided the money needed to buy a portable platform to allow drama groups from the town to perform, starting with an Armistice Day tribute by St Ives Youth Theatre later this week with RC Sheriff’s classic A Journey’s End.

Cllr Colin Saunderson, from the community interest company which runs the venue, said: “Funders look for the need behind a project and the support there is and there was enormous support in the community.”

Organisers from Action Corn Exchange and St Ives Town Council decided not to install a permanent stage when refitting the premises last year for fear it would take up valuable space for other events.

They had to borrow a portable stage from Hemingford Abbots but were hampered by having to move the weighty equipment back and forth from the village.

Cllr Saunderson, who is pictured on part of the stage, said: “We felt a permanent stage would restrict the capacity and flexibility inside.

“This makes the venue more accessible and allows us to put the stage where we want to maximise space.”

INFORMATION: Tickets are �15 and have need to be bought in advance from Jan Dobson on 01480 463662 or Gilly Jackson on 01480 385999. They can also be bought from the Corn Exchange before Thursday, November 18.