From a trial screening in Billericay Library to an award-winning Community Cinema at the Chantry Centre.
Billericay Community Cinema is a national award-winning, volunteer-run, not-for-profit cinema based in the Chantry Centre.
Since 2015 we have brought people together through affordable films, friendly table service and a strong sense of community. Our programme now includes Film Thursday, Sunday Matinee and regular Dementia Friendly screenings.
Whether you arrive alone or with friends, you can expect a warm welcome, an interval, affordable refreshments and Volunteers who genuinely want you to enjoy your visit.
Our Story
Billericay Community Cinema began in Billericay Library following six months of planning and fundraising. We initially operated using two screening formats: Film Thursday, an evening show aimed at adults and Family Sunday, a matinee for families with young children.
Our trial screening was Men in Black, followed by our official opening with Ghostbusters attended by representatives of Essex County Council and Billericay Town Council.
After 104 films in the Library – and the interruption of Covid – we moved to the newly opened Billericay Town Council Chantry Centre in July 2021.
We returned with our Film Thursday, but replaced our Sunday show with a Sunday Matinee aimed at the older, potentially more socially isolated community as we felt that following Covid they were perhaps a group who would benefit most from company.
The additional space allowed us to create the table-based format that is now central to the BCC experience: full table service from our Volunteers and more opportunity for conversation.
The Chantry Centre’s integral projection equipment also allowed us to change our financial model. After covering costs, we were able to donate all excess funds to local community groups, creating a genuine “pay it forward” model.
Today
As of July 2026 we have screened 218 films to more than 10,500 guests. We have donated more than £11,000 to local charities and community groups and our Volunteers have willingly given over 14,650 hours of their time.
Timeline
2015
Founded – located in Billericay Library
September – Trial screening of Men in Black
October – Official opening with Ghostbusters
2016
Winner – national award for “Best New Film Society”
Distinction – national award for “Best Marketing and Publicity”
2019
First Silent Film evening
2020
5000th guest
2021
Move to the Chantry Centre
Sunday Matinee stream launched
2025
Winner – National “Community Award”
Winner – “Outstanding Contribution by an Individual”
Commendation – National “Award for Community Building”
Celebrated 10th Birthday
2026
Dementia Friendly stream launches
Move to three regular screening streams
10,000th guest
£10,000 donation milestone passed