Q: What is the goal of Southport Bijou Cinema and what does the CIC mean? 
A: Southport Bijou Cinema is a registered Community Interest Company and operates on a not for profit basis. Our primary goal as a company is to provide a great cinema experience for a reasonable price to the community, and to provide a safe, inclusive space for the arts and culture sector in Southport and the further North West. We also have an event space available for Hire for all events and functions at a reasonable price in a desirable town centre location. More Information on Hire can be found here.

Q: Are all your staff volunteers? 
A: No, we have three paid members of staff on the books as it is incredibly hard to run a business on a volunteer only basis. However, we are incredibly grateful to all our volunteers who offer their time and hard work, and we could not function without their support. 

Q: Can I only book tickets online or can I book in person? 
A: You can either book online through our TicketSource website, however fee’s do apply of 7% + VAT on top of the ticket price. Alternatively, you can buy tickets from our box office during opening times with no fee’s incurred. Be aware that popular shows do sell out and we recommend booking in advance of the day where possible. 

Q: How do you choose which films are shown? 
A: Which film is shown and when is chosen by committee by the staff and owner, taking on board recent releases, particular themes, and suggestions from our blackboard which all customers can contribute to. We try to show as many suggestions as possible – which can be made online here – however, not all are viable or possible.

Q: Can I bring in outside food to your premises? 
A: While we have a bar serving a range of drinks and snacks, we are aware that people may wish to bring food into the cinema with them, this is tolerated for film screenings within reason. For private functions and events, we have no kitchen on premises so if you wish to provide outside catering that is something you will agree with us when discussing any potential hire. 

Q: Is your building fully accessible? 
A: We are proud to say that our building is now fully accessible for all persons regardless of mobility status. The Bijou has two toilets on the ground floor, including a disabled. There is a small step to enter the building, ramps are available at the entrance. The upstairs function area’s and male and female toilets are accessible by lift.

Q: How do your membership cards work, and can I sign up online? 
A: We offer a Friends of Bijou card currently for £10 a year, which entitles you to £1 off each adult ticket you purchase. Currently, we can only sell these cards from the box office and they are not available to purchase online, however we hope to offer this sometime in the future. 

Q: I would like to volunteer, how do I do so? 
A: Simply pop into the Bijou during opening hours and speak to Andy, the manager. We have a range of opportunities, such as selling tickets, ushering, and projecting the films. If you are over the age of eighteen, we can also give bar training and basic barista training. 

Q: Do you accept donations of any kind? 
A: As a not for profit community interest company, we welcome any donation if you are able to provide one. This can be done either on premises or you can visit our CrowdFunder page at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/southport-bijou-cinema