Wellington Orbit, Telford’s only independent cinema, is in the running for this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) Cinema of the Year Award, with the public vote now open.

The award celebrates cinemas across the UK that go beyond showing films and play an important role in bringing their communities together.

Since opening in 2019, Wellington Orbit has grown from a 63-seat cinema into a wider community space, with a cafe, arts studio, meeting rooms and creative spaces. The Orbit is committed to providing more than a place to watch films, offering opportunities for people to meet, take part in activities and experience arts and culture locally. 

Being part of the Cinema of the Year Award is a chance for Wellington Orbit to showcase the role that independent cinemas can play within their local areas, while representing Wellington on a national stage.

Damian Breeze, Manager at Wellington Orbit, said: ‘Being part of the Cinema of the Year Award is a real honour for the Orbit, but more importantly, it’s a chance to celebrate what our cinema means to the people of Wellington. We’re incredibly proud to be an independent cinema, and everything we do is about creating a place where people can come together, enjoy great films and feel part of something local.’

The public vote is open until 21 September, with the longlist due to be announced on 13 October. Five nominees will then be revealed on 3 November, before a jury of cinema professionals selects the overall winner, to be announced at the BIFA ceremony at London’s Roundhouse on 6 December.

The Orbit is now calling on local businesses, organisations and members of the community to get behind the campaign, with hopes of bringing the Cinema of the Year Award to Shropshire and putting Wellington on the national cinema map.

Vote for Wellington Orbit at: https://bit.ly/4xc3zGG