Danilo / Cannon Cinema, Hinckley, UK

The Danilo Cinema opened in 1936 in Hinckley. It was a popular attraction until its closure in 1993 and the main screen has stood decaying ever since.

Visited February 2016

Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK Abandoned, Derelict

Opening in 1936 the Danilo Cinema had seating for 1,250 people and was the most luxurious available at the time. The cinema opened with a single screen and small stage, and the seating was split between two levels – stalls at ground level and and a circle balcony.

The cinema was decorated in an Art Deco style with simple, modern lines throughout. A lot of thought had gone into the design and layout to ensure that all seats had a clear and uninterrupted view of the screen.

In August 1973 the Danilo was re-opened as three screen cinema which later became the Cannon. The circle level became one large screen and the stalls split into a further two smaller screens. The proscenium arch of the original stage can still be seen behind the current screen, however the bottom half is now cast in concrete from the creation of the lower two screens.

The cinema closed in 1993. The lower levels were converted and used as a bar called All Bar Sports from 1998 until 2004, unfortunately loosing the two smaller screens. The building has been out of use ever since and is now starting to suffer decay and water ingress.

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - The main screen — Danilo Cinema, Hinckley – The main screen

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - Auditorium from the side — Danilo Cinema, Hinckley – Auditorium from the side

Danilo Cinema - Back of the auditorium — Danilo Cinema – Back of the auditorium

Danilo Cinema - View from the back — Danilo Cinema – View from the back

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - Decaying seats in the auditorium — Danilo Cinema, Hinckley – Decaying seats in the auditorium

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - View from the stage — Danilo Cinema, Hinckley – View from the stage

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - Auditorium entrance — Danilo Cinema – Auditorium entrance

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - The old proscenium arch still exists behind the cinema screen — Danilo Cinema, Hinckley – The old proscenium arch still exists behind the cinema screen

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - Rear of the screen — Danilo Cinema – Rear of the screen

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - Projectionists seat — Danilo Cinema – Projectionists seat

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - Unfortunately the projectors had gone — Danilo Cinema, Hinckley – Unfortunately the projectors had gone

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - A Nevelector — Danilo Cinema – A Nevelector

Danilo Cinema, Hinckley - Entrance foyer — Danilo Cinema – Entrance foyer

Danilo Cinema - Decaying steps — Danilo Cinema – Decaying steps

Danilo Cinema - The upper lobby — Danilo Cinema – The upper lobby

Danilo Cinema - The sports bar where the two lower screens used to be — Danilo Cinema – The sports bar where the two lower screens used to be

Danilo Cinema - External view of the cinema — Danilo Cinema – External view of the cinema

Author: Andy Kay | Facebook | Flickr | Instagram

Nice and would have been nicer but for sub-division. Shame it is in such a state. Didi it ever have an organ?

Excellent report and photos. Place is in a terrible state. Was it not possible to get beyond of where the 2 minis were to the original stage area? This is an aspect of old cinemas that really interests me. Stay safe people.

Danilo / Cannon Cinema, Hinckley, UK

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