09/06/2026
West Side Cinema have been working with other user groups at Stromness Town Hall to fund raise for a near £25,000 project to upgrade the sound and lighting. We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been granted 80% from The Orkney Fund and OIC CECLDF, with user groups covering 20% of the total.
The project will see all stage lighting upgraded to a flexible, low energy LED lighting system with full control from the mixing desk. A wall panel will give users pre-programmed set ups, and there will be new vari-colour ambient lighting under the balconies. An audio upgrade from simple stereo to a 3.1 Dolby surround system will greatly improve the sound, while a new equipment rack and fixed speakers will reduce set up time considerably. Added to the recent external work on the stone building and windows, and the new heating system, it’s yet another boost for this important venue.
We’re planning to start work this summer, so we’ll keep you posted.
The project user groups are West Side Cinema, Stromness Drama Club, Stromness Baptist Church and Orkney Arts Society. Many thanks to supporters of the project and to our funders: The Orkney Fund, managed by Orkney Islands Council on behalf of the UK Government's Pride in Place Programme, and Orkney Islands Council Crown Estate Community Led Development Fund.
