A Trip Down Memory Lane: Swindon’s Virgin Cinema in the 90s
Swindon locals who grew up in the 90s likely remember the excitement around the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park cinema. It wasn’t always the Cineworld we know today. Originally opening as an MGM-branded cinema in 1991, it transformed over the years, becoming a much-loved Virgin Cinema before finally shifting to Cineworld. This article revisits the early days, showcasing how the cinema became a staple of leisure and entertainment in Swindon.
The Early MGM Days
Shaw Ridge Leisure Park’s cinema first opened its doors under MGM’s banner. Photos from the Adver archive capture the building in its early stages, under construction in the early 90s. The grand opening in 1991 brought a buzz of excitement. Locals were drawn to the idea of a big multiplex, complete with the promise of all the latest releases. MGM celebrated its opening year by featuring a young cinema-goer born at around the same time— a touching reminder of the community spirit.
Suggestion: Incorporate a nostalgic tone here, encouraging readers to reminisce about their first visit to MGM.
Virgin Cinema’s Arrival in 1995
The mid-90s saw a shift in branding across the UK. Virgin Group, led by Richard Branson, acquired the cinema, renaming it as Virgin Cinemas in 1995. This was more than a simple rebranding—it was a facelift. The lobby received a modern look, complete with an updated pick-and-mix section, a revamped bar area, and stylish decor that matched Virgin’s signature bold branding.
For Swindon’s movie-goers, these changes were exciting. The Virgin name brought a fresh, trendy vibe. Regulars of the cinema enjoyed the new seating, the colourful lobby, and the little extras like the expanded snack selection.
Suggestion: Mention any favourite movie snacks or iconic moments in the Virgin Cinema era to add a personal, nostalgic element.
Life Inside the Cinema: A Peek Behind the Scenes
Photos from the archive take us behind the scenes, offering glimpses into the projection booth and the cinema’s staff at work. The team of projectionists and cinema staff contributed to the welcoming environment. The sight of the large, spinning film reels in the projection booth was a marvel back then— a stark contrast to today’s digital projectors. Staff from that era recall the pride they felt working at Swindon’s most popular cinema, which had quickly become a landmark for locals.
In a throwback to one of the cinema’s biggest events, the premiere of Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace in 1999 drew large crowds. The cinema was bustling, and the marquee out front proudly displayed the movie title, which was an event of its own.
The Move to Cineworld
As the new millennium rolled around, another change was on the horizon. Virgin Cinemas sold its sites, and Cineworld took over the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park multiplex. The core layout of the cinema remained, but Cineworld implemented further upgrades, improving seating and expanding movie options to include more global blockbusters. Cineworld’s arrival also brought loyalty programs and discounts that helped make trips to the cinema more affordable. However, for those who grew up with Virgin Cinema, it was hard not to feel nostalgic.
While Cineworld’s modern amenities and diverse movie selections have kept it popular, there’s something irreplaceable about the 90s charm of Virgin Cinema at Shaw Ridge.