I’ve already revealed the day of my first DVD purchase, shamelessly delved through the time a film made me truly weep and reminisced on the one film that I truly see as my favourite guilty pleasure so now it seems right that we go way back to my first cinema experience. The time that got me first accustomed with the sights, the sounds and the smells of a place I would often find myself in to this day and beyond.

The year was 1994, the height of summer on a warm July afternoon, and a six-year-old boy was about to embark on an adventure into the world of film for the first time within a behemoth of an arena. From a young age the wonderment of Disney videos and everything in between had captivated me and the love affair with films began. Upon my mother declaring we were going to see The Flinstones at the cinema for my first ever trip I can remember a sense of excitement; this would be my first ever visit to the ABC Cinema in Chatham. Just three screens in total but at the age of six this was a huge deal.

Admittedly, looking back now at the cinema itself, it was a bit of a dive. One larger screen accompanied by two that could only be described as aging fleapits made up the cornerstone of Chatham’s entertainment offerings, but it was the place to go for youngsters. I would spend many a year afterward taking the walk down Chatham hill to get my weekly fix of cinematic glory (and misery) and 1994 would be the beginning of it all.

Being at such a young age, my memories of the day slightly elude me but I can remember standing n the queue with my mum, brother and family friends staring up at the movie posters advertising what films were being shown. The Flintstones was the only one on my mind – I had loved the cartoons throughout my youth and when a live action movie was on the cards our parents knew this would be the perfect film to bed us into the booming surround sound systems and glorious larger than life screens.

Upon finally walking into the cinema, after queuing for what seemed an age, I can remember entering the foyer where the sweet smell of popcorn hit my nostrils. Although never quite finding myself drawn to popcorn (toffee aside) it was a beautiful smell to find myself welcomed by and set me up perfectly for somewhat of an adventure for a young boy. Eventually placing ourselves in the comfort of the red seats, I readied myself for the film that lie ahead and I can say it didn’t disappoint.

After all, what six-year-old doesn’t love that quirky theme tune, comedy capers with Fred and Barney, and the earliest of crushes on one Halle Berry. Needless to say, The Flintstones was the beginning of my love for going to the cinema and my passion for heading to the local picture house and indulging in pure film escapism has never been at its strongest.

Can you remember your first trip to the cinema? We’d love to know about your first experience!

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