The power of cinema has brought people together for decades – and venues have attracted some of the biggest stars of the day to the county over the years.

Some of those beloved venues in Carlisle have sadly been lost.

MEMENTO: Singer Georgie Fame signs an autograph for a fan at the Lonsdale cinema in Carlisle, 1966

MEMENTO: Singer Georgie Fame signs an autograph for a fan at the Lonsdale cinema in Carlisle, 1966

The Lonsdale Cinema, later known as the ABC Cinema, played host to bona fide music icons such as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr on the brink of stardom as the Beatles.

In 1963, just a year before the Fab Four broke America, the band played two Carlisle venues, attracting a crowd of eager fans keen to catch a glimpse of the rising stars who conquered the music industry.

MEETING: A young girl meets Helen Shapiro, before her performance at the ABC Cinema, Carlisle, 1963

MEETING: A young girl meets Helen Shapiro, before her performance at the ABC Cinema, Carlisle, 1963

Also featured in today’s gallery is unsung hero John Little, who was the projectionist at the Palace in Carlisle for about 30 years until it closed in 1987 and, in his role, would have played a key role in plenty of school trips, family days out and first dates.

The Star Junior Club disco also held a disco-dancing competition at Studio 1-2-3-4 cinema, Carlisle, 1974.

REEL HERO: John Little who was the projectionist at the Palace, Carlisle for about 30 years until it closed in 1987

REEL HERO: John Little who was the projectionist at the Palace, Carlisle for about 30 years until it closed in 1987

That highlights how cinemas have not just been a place for a popular trip to see a movie on a Saturday night, but have brought communities together and provided a platform for people to display their own talents.

And, with musical meetings not ending with the Beatles, a young girl met Helen Shapiro before her performance at the ABC Cinema in Carlisle in 1963, followed by a meeting with Scottish pop group Marmalade with two of their fans at the same venue in 1969.

RETRO: Scottish pop group Marmalade with two of their fans at the ABC cinema in Carlisle, 1969

RETRO: Scottish pop group Marmalade with two of their fans at the ABC cinema in Carlisle, 1969

The events will likely bring back a host of lovely memories of great days in the the past at some of the city’s beloved venues from yesteryear.

Independent cinemas have struggled due to the adverse effects of an unprecedented year of upheaval due to the coronavirus pandemic but many families will hope to return to them as soon as possible.