First on-site cinema in Yorkshire opens at Bradford Teaching Hospitals
Bradford Hospitals Charity is opening a brand-new cinema at Bradford Royal Infirmary on Thursday 27 November, bringing the magic of the movies directly to children and their families.
The £40,000 cinema is opening with a screening of Elf, offering children an escape from the hospital environment in the run up to Christmas.
Located on the children’s ward, which cares for children up to 16 years old, this state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in Yorkshire.
Designed for beds, wheelchairs, and medical equipment it lets children enjoy immersive films while continuing their care. This thoughtful addition brings comfort, joy, and a sense of normality to children and families during challenging times.
“This is more than just a cinema,” said Catherine Piggot, Play Specialist at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
“It’s a space where children can feel like children again—where laughter, imagination and connection can flourish, even during the most difficult times. The ward is buzzing with excitement, we can’t wait to start using the space later this week.”
The cinema will host regular screenings each week, free of charge to patients and their families, with additional private viewings available for those in sensitive circumstances. Cinema supports mental health, with significant reductions in stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation.
“The young children being cared for at Bradford Teaching Hospitals absolutely need spaces like this. They’re in hospital, and we’d hate for them to miss out on experiences – this cinema means they can be children again, using their imagination, and finding a distraction from everything else going on,” said Laura Riach, Director of Bradford Hospitals Charity.
“We are so grateful to all of the companies that donated their time, resources and equipment to help make this wonderful room a reality, it was truly a team effort.”
Together for Cinema generously gifted and coordinated the project in support of Bradford Hospitals Charity. Clever Association installed the equipment and Tigerplay created a special atmosphere of play and fun.
Ian Morrish, Founder and Managing Director, Together for Cinema and Giving.Back.tech, said: “With this being our 57th cinema room installation I am more than aware of the long-term benefit and joy this room will bring and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make it happen at the children’s ward of the Bradford Royal Infirmary.
“With great support from the Audio Visual industry, and skilled assistance from local AV installer, Clever Association, and Tigerplay, a company specialising in creating safe and stimulating soft play environments for children, I believe we have created a special room that will be used and enjoyed for many years to come. Thank you for letting us help and for trusting us to create a little bit of our industry magic at the Hospital.“
Bradford Hospitals Charity invites the community to support transformative projects like this. Every donation helps bring light, laughter and healing to people using hospital services. Visit BradfordHospitalsCharity.org for more information.