Campus West's 50th Anniversary

Campus West is Welwyn Garden City's premier independent cinema, arts, and entertainment venue; it was opened on 8 December 1973 by distinguished local actress Dame Flora Robson.

The building originally consisted of a theatre-cinema, a large exhibition hall known as The Glasshouse, and a banqueting hall which held dinner dances with customers paying £3 to go to the Christmas Ball and just £2 to attend a dance. It was ‘strict tempo’ on Mondays, ‘free and easy’ Tuesday afternoons, and by Wednesday it was ‘swinging!’

The 1970s saw a darker period for the venue with claims of vandalism and an unsafe stage causing people to stay away. By the 1980s, dinner dances were a thing of the past and a stylish nightclub opened in the former banqueting hall. The area was stripped out and an 800-person capacity nightclub was opened called West One. It had Welwyn Garden’s longest bar and was a huge hit amongst local clubbers, remaining popular for ten years until 1998 when the club closed. Conferencing was eventually to take over the space where the club had been until December 2013.

Today, Campus West prides itself on offering world-class entertainment with a local, independent feel; its state-of-the-art cinema screens boast the best in modern sound and projection technology, where audiences can enjoy the latest movie releases. It also offers 'Event Cinema' with shows ranging from international theatre, and music to ballet, opera, and exhibitions on the big screen.

Campus West also has a roller-skating rink, a soft play and bouncy castle area for the little ones, and a modern café-bar.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's Executive Member for Leisure and Community, Cllr Terry Mitchinson, comments:

"Campus West, in its many guises over the past 50 years, has always remained at the heart of our community. Our entertainment programme reflects the vibrant and diverse audience we serve.

"Now the venue has something special for all the family, whether that's enjoying a movie with a glass of wine or beer, jumping around in soft play or on the bouncy castle, or having fun at the roller rink, everyone is welcome. We're excited about our 50th anniversary, and we look forward to seeing everyone at our events throughout the year - not least our ever-popular panto!"

As part of the 50th anniversary schedule, visitors will be treated to themed events, culminating on the official birthday, 8 December, with the grand opening of Robin Hood.

Or maybe you have a more recent memory to share?

Patrons of Campus West, old and new, are invited to get involved by sharing photos and stories of their experiences over the years. Share your Campus West memories on Facebook or email: happy50.campuswest@welhat.gov.uk We’ll be handpicking some of the best shots for a special celebratory display at Campus West later this year.

It's going to be extra special, so get to the front of the queue!

Book your tickets now for Robin Hood, or its naughtier adult version, Robin - Keep On Riding!