December 3rd, 2024A magical Christmas movie night in Daylesford

Daylesford’s dedicated local cinema group is holding a fundraising Christmas movie event at the Stanbridge Hall on Daylesford’s Central Springs Road this Friday evening December 6.

The group will be screening family-friendly film Miracle on 34th Street with dollars raised going toward efforts to resurrect the town’s cinema as Phoenix Cinema@The Rex.

Doors will open at 6pm for this Friday evening’s fundraising Christmas movie event and it’s expected that Santa will make a grand entrance around 8pm with lucky dip bags for children, and an opportunity for photos.

The community’s previous cinema had served as a cultural hub before its closure, offering films and events that brought together both locals and visitors.

Now, after years of uncertainty following the sale of The Rex, a plan has emerged to re-establish the cinema as a community-run venture in the original home of the cinema in Daylesford, the Rex building.

The Cinema Group aims to fit out the existing upper floor of The Rex into a modern, 60-70-seat cinema, with a café and bar.

But they say that the planned renovation will remain true to the art deco style of the original structure.

The group also plans to add an imposing street entrance complete with attractive lighting and signage that will invite both locals and visitors to experience the venue.

They’re calling for donations to assist in fitting out the cinema space and to support its ongoing operation.

The group has applied for a Victorian Tourism Infrastructure Grant and will also seek additional corporate funding. Donations can be made via: https://www.gofundme.com/…/phoenix-at-the-rex-a…

For more information, or to offer support, contact Jules McDonald, president of the Daylesford Cinema Group, at 0400 455 993 or via email at julesmcd11@gmail.com.