Monday Movies are new from April on the Big Screen at Middleton Arena as high definition cinema comes to Middleton. The popcorn and ice cream will be ready as some of the latest blockbuster movies bring top family entertainment within easy reach right on the doorstep  and all at a great price with a family ticket of two adults and two children costing just £11. The move into cinema screenings comes after investment of around £25,000 in new projection equipment, sound system and large high definition, 3D screen by Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust, to upgrade facilities in the centre's purpose-built 550 seat auditorium which opened in 2009. Everybody loves the movies and Middleton Arena is a family friendly venue that is fully accessible. Said, Centre Manager, Claire Costigan, 'With no cinema of its own in Middleton this is number one on many peopleâs lists of what theyâd like to see in the town. We successfully introduced live sports broadcasts in March and our new âBig Screenâ film shows are something we have exciting plans to develop further in the future.'

Thor: The Dark World is the opening film on Monday 14 April at 7.15pm and award winning Disney animated movie Frozen is an Easter Monday treat for all the family showing at 2pm. Gravity, Despicable Me 2 and The Lego Movie are just three of the films coming before the end of May. Chair of Trustees at Link4Life, Clint Street said, 'Middleton Arena is a successful venue for live music and shows and this latest investment to bring high quality cinema to the town is another fantastic step forward.'

Details of forthcoming dates are available from Middleton Arena where tickets can be bought in advance by ringing the box office on 0844 855 4020 or on the night. Details can also be found at www.middletonarena.com where tickets can be booked online.

Seating for the cinema will be in theatre style in unassigned seating. The Monday night performances will start at 7.15pm and earlier at 2pm on Bank Holiday Mondays. Ticket prices are Adults £4, Under 16s £2.50, Family Ticket £11.