Bo'ness Hippodrome Longlisted for BIFA Cinema of the Year Award
Scotland's first purpose-built cinema, the Hippodrome in Bo'ness, has been recognised in the British Independent Film Awards longlist.
By Alasdair Buchan
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a historic cinema exterior at dusk.
The Hippodrome in Bo'ness, Scotland's first purpose-built cinema, has been longlisted for Cinema of the Year at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), recognised for its blend of historical significance and diverse film programming.
The much-loved single-screen venue, which opened in 1912, is operated by Falkirk Council. It combines over a century of cinematic history with a programme featuring both mainstream and independent films, alongside special events. Notably, it hosts Scotland’s only festival of silent cinema with live music, HippFest, held annually in March.
The Hippodrome continues to attract audiences from near and far to Bo'ness, showcasing everything from major blockbusters and archive classics to unique screenings like chocolate taste-alongs. HippFest, now in its 16th edition, sold almost 4,000 tickets in March 2026, drawing visitors from across Scotland, the UK, and overseas.
Beyond its international appeal, the cinema maintains strong ties to the local community. Screenings of historic Bo'ness Fair footage, captured by the cinema’s original proprietor, Louis Dickson, preserve a tradition spanning over 100 years.
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"Being named among just 15 cinemas across the UK in the running for this award is a fantastic achievement for the Hippodrome and a proud moment for Bo’ness. The cinema holds a special place in the town, with generations of local people sharing memories of visits there. Today, it also brings visitors from across the world to our area through HippFest. This recognition reflects the work of the team and the support of the audiences, volunteers and local partners who help the Hippodrome thrive."
Since its reopening in 2009, the Category A listed cinema has developed a programme aimed at encouraging audiences of all ages to explore new cinematic experiences. Its New Found Sound initiative provides young musicians with opportunities to create and perform live scores for silent archive films.
Affordable screenings and accessible experiences are key to its ethos, including £5 Monday morning ‘cuppa’ screenings and free tickets for unpaid carers via the Respitality initiative. The Hippodrome also participates in Escapes, a nationwide BFI-supported initiative offering free cinema screenings to enhance accessibility.
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"One of the best things about the Hippodrome is seeing people come together to share a film, then stay to talk about what they’ve watched. That might be a new independent release, a silent film with live music or archive footage featuring familiar local faces. We work hard to make audiences feel at home here and to earn their trust so that people can be confident enough to try something they might not otherwise have chosen. Our programme grows out of those relationships, with local people and partners helping to shape what happens on screen and around it. To have the Hippodrome included in BIFA’s Cinema of the Year longlist is a wonderful recognition of that work and everyone who contributes to it."
The Hippodrome will now await the announcement of the five shortlisted cinemas, with the date yet to be confirmed. Further information about the Hippodrome and its programme is available on its website.
Based on information from the official source: Falkirk Council (13/10/2026)
