Market Drayton's cinema to get 3D digital projector

Market Drayton's cinema will be upgraded so it can show 3D films after landing a slice of £3.5 million from Shropshire Council.

Delighted bosses at the Festival Drayton Centre, in Market Drayton, have been awarded £61,977 under the council's market towns revitalisation programme.

Under the programme, £2.5 million is being made available to support the larger market towns of Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry and Whitchurch.

Geoff Vernon, chairman of the centre, said the money would pave the way for the cinema to be upgraded to a digital projector inside two months.

He said: "This money is in fact going to enable us to switch to a digital cinema projector. It's important as the whole industry is switching over to digital projectors and celluloid is being phased out.

"This way we won't get left behind as most multiplexes are digital already. Before long 35 millimetre film won't be available so this means we will be able to show 3D films very soon."

Another feature of the upgrade will be the installation of a satellite system enabling bosses to download content like ballets and operas at other venues.

Mr Vernon added: "In terms of regeneration this is really going to help us."