£11k grant brings big screen to Coelbren

A former mining community in Coelbren is celebrating after securing more than £11,000 to launch a new community cinema at its welfare hall.

Kit Peters
3 Min Read
Audience of adults and children seated in Coelbren Welfare Hall facing a blank projection screen before a film screening.
Families and residents settle in for a film night at Coelbren’s new community cinema.

Film nights for families on the doorstep

Coelbren Welfare Hall has been awarded an £11,170 Awards for All grant, with support from coal mining charity CISWO, to create a welcoming entertainment space for residents.

The project will host at least 26 cinema nights over the next year, offering affordable screenings for families and individuals who would otherwise face long journeys and high costs to enjoy a night at the movies.

Trustee Emma Davies said:

“We wanted to create something that brings people together and offers families a chance to enjoy entertainment without the cost and travel.

The support from CISWO has helped us access the Awards for All grant and made this possible — we’re excited to see the positive impact on our community.”

Popcorn machine and snack rack with sweets and Pringles at Coelbren Welfare Hall’s community cinema setup.
Fresh popcorn and snacks on offer at Coelbren’s community cinema concession stand.

Strong start for new cinema

The first screenings have already attracted strong interest from locals, with organisers promising to shape the programme around community feedback to ensure the films reflect local tastes and needs.

Nicola Didlock, CISWO Chief Executive, said:

“We’re delighted to have supported Coelbren Welfare Hall in launching its new Community Cinema.

This project is a fantastic initiative that makes entertainment accessible in a rural, former mining area and creates a lively hub for families and friends to connect and enjoy shared experiences.”

Backing from coalfields charity

CISWO — which has been supporting coalfield communities since 1920 — says its grants service helps miners’ welfare charities identify funding opportunities, strengthen applications and build long‑term sustainability.

The charity, which became a registered organisation in 1995, remains the only national body solely focused on supporting former coal miners, their families and local mining communities.

Author

Kit Peters

Kit Peters is a journalist and the editor of Swansea Bay News, covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire since 2020.


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Kit Peters is a journalist and the editor of Swansea Bay News, covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire since 2020.
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