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Wales' oldest cinema will celebrate its 120th anniversary this week.

The Market Hall Cinema, in Brynmawr, will mark the occasion with an all night cult movie showing on Friday, February 28.

The cinema opened in 1894 and since then, it has shown movies, hosted boxing matches, housed a weekly market, the local library and been a home to the local operatic society.

It came under threat last year when Blaenau Gwent council announced proposals that funding for the hall was to be cut from the budget, prompting passionate protests from the local community and a petition signed by more than 2,000 supporters.

After discussions with the council and the newly-formed Market Hall Brynmawr Community Group, the building was saved and now it’s thriving once again.

In June last year, the cinema re-opened, with 1,000 people turning out for the occasion.

Market Hall manager Ralph Price said: “Queen Victoria was still on the throne when we opened.

“The Market Hall is a magical place.

"It’s amazing to think that the venue has survived two World Wars, the rise of television, home video, the internet and multiplexes.

“It’s only right that we mark this latest milestone with a week of events that reflect and celebrate this amazing achievement.”

On Friday, the 350-seat cinema is hosting a Cult Film All-Nighter starting at 10pm and finishing at around 8am.

The films include infamous and controversial titles such as Clockwork Orange, Taxi Driver, Team America World Police, Deliverance and Trainspotting.

Then, on Saturday, March 1, the cinema will host an access all areas open day where the public will be able to go behind the scenes of the historic cinema.

Cinema veteran Bernard Snowball, who will be hosting the event, said: “People will be able to see inside our state of the art digital projection room, edit 35mm film together, even open the huge red curtains that cover our massive new screen.

“It’s the first time civilians have been able to see the secrets of the cinema in its 120-year history.”

Open day visitors will also be able to watch a special screening of the classic Peter Sellars comedy about the running of a cinema – The Smallest Show on Earth.

In the evening, the Beaufort Male Voice Choir will perform in a celebratory concert.

And on March 4, the cinema will host the world premiere of the hotly tipped new film comedy Svengali starring Merthyr-born actor Jonny Owen. Stars of the film are expected to attend.