The independent Orbit cinema and arts centre in Wellington celebrates its 5th birthday in May with an open weekend giving behind the scenes access and an opportunity to see their redevelopment plans,

When HSBC closed its branch on the corner of Station Road, local residents rallied round to secure the building for community use. The opening of a cinema has proven very popular and being independent means they are able to show films and performances that cinema chains won't. You are just as likely to be able to see a live broadcast of an opera as you are the latest blockbuster film from Holywood!

A regeneration programme is underway to make full use of the building funded by community investors and the Conservative government's Capital Regeneration Programme for England. The £1.4m of government funding was secured by Mark Pritchard MP, whose office is just round the corner from the Orbit, who intervened with ministers after Telford & Wrekin Council's bid for funding failed.

You can book a guided tour of the building and buy discounted tickets to see Two Tickets to Greece via the Orbit website or in person. Over their birthday open weekend you will also be able talk to members of the team who brought this fantastic facility to Wellington like former Conservative councillor and Chairman of the Orbit, Phil Morris-Jones, and most importantly grab yourself a slice of birthday cake!

The open weekend is the 11th and 12th of May and doors are open between 10:30am and 6pm.