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I've Lived in California for 50 Years—and These Are the Best Secret Beach Towns in the Golden State
I've Lived in California for 50 Years—and These Are the Best Secret Beach Towns in the Golden State

Travel + Leisure

time21-07-2025

  • Travel + Leisure

I've Lived in California for 50 Years—and These Are the Best Secret Beach Towns in the Golden State

Bike, stroll, run, or walk your dog along The Strand, the 22-mile paved oceanfront path that meanders through the Beach Cities. Visit the free Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier to see more than 100 species of marine life, including sharks, eels, sea urchins, sea horses, and more. Dine, shop, rent a kayak, pedal boat, bike, or stand-up paddleboard at the Redondo Beach Pier. Plan a dinner around sunset with an ocean view and delicious food at The Strand House in Manhattan Beach or Sea Level Restaurant & Lounge in Redondo Beach. Book an oceanfront room steps from the sand at the luxury Beach House Hotel Hermosa Beach or the recently renovated Sea Sprite Beach Club. It seems that most visitors to Southern California immediately exit Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to head north to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or to drive to Orange County for Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. But just a few miles south of the airport, flying somewhat under the radar, is Los Angeles's best-kept secret. The South Bay's Beach Cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. Together, these towns offer all you need for a perfect vacation—any time of the year. For more than four decades, I've lived in Hermosa Beach, a small city whose pier was the setting for a love scene in the 2016 romantic comedy, La La Land. In the film, Ryan Gosling played the piano in another Hermosa Beach landmark, The Lighthouse, a historic jazz club. 'There are pieces of history tucked in every corner of Hermosa Beach,' Jamie Erickson, director and curator of the Hermosa Beach Museum, told Travel + Leisure . "There is something intangible that I can't describe that appeals to people. "Hermosa's walkability is a huge plus, and it wins you over with that small-town feel that everyone here is determined to hang on to in the midst of an ever-evolving urban landscape.' I asked several locals what they love about living in the South Bay. Bitte Healy, a 40-year Manhattan Beach resident, responded without hesitation. 'The beach," she said. And indeed, in this small stretch of L.A. County, there are several iconic beaches. Manhattan Beach plays host to an annual volleyball tournament, Redondo Beach was popularized in Beach Boys songs (Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson all hail from the nearby South Bay city of Hawthorne), and you'll always find a crowded lineup of surfers at one of L.A.'s most legendary surf spots, El Porto. With miles of scenic beachfront, tons of local small businesses, and a welcoming, unpretentious vibe, South Bay's Beach Cities truly have something for everyone. Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Los Angeles' Beach Cities. Guest room inside Westdrift Manhattan Beach. This oceanfront boutique hotel overlooking the Hermosa Beach Pier has 96 suites, each with balconies or patios, fireplaces, kitchenettes, and a daily complimentary continental breakfast. Steps from the sand and downtown Hermosa's restaurants, bars, and shops, the hotel's location is ideal for a car-free vacation. I booked a suite for some visiting relatives, and they especially loved eating breakfast on the patio while watching everyone go by on the Strand. westdrift Manhattan Beach is less than five miles from Los Angeles International Airport and two miles from the Manhattan Beach pier. With elegant beach-themed rooms, dining, pickleball, a pool with cabanas, and a nine-hole golf course, the hotel is a great vacation destination that's popular with business travelers. I've played the course several times and once made it a staycation with golf, pool, drinks, and dinner at Jute Coastal Bar and Kitchen. With views of King Harbor's rows of boats and the Pacific beyond, Shade's waterfront location is perfect for sitting on your balcony with morning coffee, grabbing a cocktail at Sea Level restaurant's happy hour, or sunbathing on the rooftop pool deck. Once you're ready to explore, you can borrow a beach cruiser from the hotel for four hours, and it's easy to get to the Redondo Beach Pier. As close to the sea as you can get, Portofino's guest rooms have private balconies with ocean or marina views. There's a seafront pool, complimentary access to cruiser bicycles, and close-up views of a colony of California sea lions, fun to watch as they bark and jostle for space on their dock. Take a sunset cruise on the hotel's El Rey catamaran, dine at Baleenkitchen, or enjoy a cocktail at my favorite spot, the Living Room Bar. Established in 1964, Sea Sprite Beach Club was the first hotel in Hermosa Beach. It's sited off the Strand, just steps from the beach, and was totally remodeled in 2025, giving it a stunning new look as well as a new restaurant, Surfer Girl. 'The entire Sea Sprite renovation has been a thoughtful effort to keep that easygoing beach vibe alive while giving guests a better overall experience,' general manager James Graham told T+L. 'The love we've felt from the community—especially with the launch of Surfer Girl—means the world to us.' People playing volleyball on Manhattan Beach. Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure The white sand, cool breezes, and ocean waves are calling, and whether you plan to sunbathe, surf, boogie board, swim, or just get your feet wet, you can't miss a day at the beach. You have miles of shoreline, but my suggestion is Hermosa Beach, of course. An ideal day would involve grabbing a meatball hero at Mickey's Deli, a local favorite for years, a cold drink, and nothing to do except enjoy the beach. Explore the artsy side of Hermosa Beach by going on the self-guided Mural Walking Tour. In the murals, you'll see things like what Pier Avenue looked like in 1924, a century of the evolution of swimwear, odes to volleyball, lifeguards, Hermosa's punk era, and West Coast jazz (my favorite), which commemorates the history of the famed Lighthouse Cafe, where jazz music was showcased beginning in 1949. Dine or snack at one of the Redondo Beach Pier's more than 30 eating establishments, from ice cream shops to restaurants, including one of my favorites, Quality Seafood, where locals line up for freshly steamed crabs, spread paper on the table, and attack with wooden mallets to get at the delicious crabmeat. Rent pedal boats and kayaks, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or go on a romantic gondola cruise around the harbor. Whether you're out and about for window shopping, dining, taking home a souvenir, or buying a new outfit, you'll find what you want in downtown Manhattan Beach at one of the many unique home decor, jewelry, clothing, and beachwear shops in the area. Enjoy galleries displaying stunning paintings, sculpture, and photography, including some by Beau Bridges, whose massive mural adorns Manhattan Beach City Hall. For a place to take in gorgeous views, drive about 30 minutes south to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Take Palos Verdes Drive West, and stop at the Point Vicente Lighthouse and Interpretive Center, a small museum that tells of the area's history and geology. Visit Terranea, a lovely resort, for lunch or a walk along the cliffside trails that border their property. A person walking by the entrance to the Apple store at Manhattan Village. JayAfter a multiyear update and reconfiguration, Manhattan Village is an upscale lifestyle destination with shopping, dining, leisure experiences, and convenient parking. Shop at Macy's, West Elm, Anthropologie, Apple, Sephora, Pottery Barn, and more. Restaurants include Sushi Roku, BoaSteakhouse, Sweetgreen, and others. If you just need a snack, head to Sprinkles, Sidecar Doughnuts, Reborn Coffee, or Handel's Homemade Ice Cream. In nearby Torrance, the Del Amo Fashion Center, is billed as the 'South Bay's premier retail destination,' and has more than 250 specialty stores as well as things like Nordstrom, Macy's, Apple, and Barnes & Noble. Restaurants include Outback Steakhouse, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, North Italia, Frida, and Din Tai Fung, a famous Taiwanese soup dumpling chain. The AMC movie theaters have an IMAX screen, and there's plenty of parking. Three miles south of King Harbor in Redondo Beach, Riviera Village has walkable streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, and clothing stores. Day spas, hair and nail salons, and skincare specialists make Riviera Village a beauty and relaxation destination. If you're feeling hungry, dining opportunities range from casual to upscale and include options like Hook & Plow, Little Sister, and Salt & Pearl. Shop for casual clothes, beachwear, accessories, sunglasses, and souvenirs on the Pier Plaza pedestrian mall, Hermosa Avenue, and Pier Avenue. When you need a break or a bite to eat, head to Tower 12, Hennessey's, or relax with coffee and a pastry at Café Bonaparte. This iconic club has been around since 1978, and lines still form along Hermosa Avenue most weekend nights. The club has hosted big names like Jerry Seinfeld, George Wallace, and Kevin Nealon, and the thrill for many guests is seeing Jay Leno, who performs here nearly every Sunday evening. 'I love checking out his car to see which one he drives for his trip to Hermosa,' a guest in line said to me one Sunday evening. Sainte Rocke is the best place in the South Bay for live music, and acts range from dueling pianos to punk to surf rock and more. There's a weekly karaoke contest, line dancing, and DJ nights. It's a fun place with entertainment for every musical taste, a big part of the South Bay's cultural scene since it was established in 2008. For a sophisticated lounge experience, head to X Speakeasy for cocktails, live music, and small plates in a stylish setting. This speakeasy doesn't require a secret password, so you can head there for weekday Magic Hours from 5 to 6 p.m. Located on the International Boardwalk overlooking the marina, Project Barley is a casual spot with a wide selection of beers as well as wine and a menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, and snacks. Live music, trivia nights, and pinball machines keep guests entertained. Dishes from Barran's 2239. With the perfect blend of delicious, creative food and friendly, professional service, Baran;s 2239' is an exceptional restaurant set in an unassuming strip mall. I've enjoyed occasional dinners there, but many locals make it a frequent stop, especially for their coveted weekend breakfast burritos. Be sure to order by Wednesday morning; they sell out by the end of the day. This small seafood spot has a huge following for its fresh scallops, Maryland blue crab cakes, and lobster rolls. Longtime Manhattan Beach resident, Healy, said it's her 'very favorite restaurant' and her order always includes 'soft shell crabs, Koshihikari rice, and oysters.' You'll need a reservation to dine at this award-winning 32-seat restaurant. The Rex Steakhouse is a sophisticated dining spot serving excellent steak with sauces like Beéanaise, chimichurri, and Bordelaise. The menu also includes pasta, chicken, and seafood, but I can never pass up the beef. This beloved neighborhood restaurant has served traditional Italian cuisine and fine wines for more than 50 years to locals, celebrities, and visitors. Steps from the beach, they recently added an ocean-view patio. My husband and I have enjoyed many dinners at The Bottle Inn. We always like to try a new wine from their extensive selection. Southeast Asian dishes, perfectly spiced and delicious, make this restaurant one of my favorites. They describe their cuisine as having French, Dutch, and British colonial influences, and I would call their dishes delicious. I always order the green papaya salad, chicken, and shiitake mushroom dumplings, and on a chilly day, their tasty pho. Any time you can come to the South Bay cities is the right time. I love the winter months when it's not too chilly to walk along the beach. Springtime brings the 'May Gray' and 'June Gloom' phenomenon, when morning clouds usually, but not always, give way to sunshine in the afternoon. During summer, you'll find free weekend concerts, farmers markets, and street fairs. The South Bay's beach cities are a perfect home base for year-round sports and entertainment, and are only about nine miles from the Kia Forum, Intuit Dome, and SoFi Stadium. 'This is a beach town that knows how to blend small-town charm with big-time culture,' local realtor Jamie Waryck said. The Beach Life Festival takes place each May and attracts top performers. If volleyball is your game, you'll want to be in Manhattan Beach during August for the Association of Volleyball Players Open. Memorial Day weekend's Fiesta Hermosa, October's Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, and Summer Festival in Redondo are also popular events. The South Bay cities range from five to nine miles from Los Angeles International Airport. I like to take an Uber or another ride hailing service to Hermosa Beach when I arrive, and there are taxis and a rail connection from the airport to the Los Angeles Metro. You can rent a car, but the beach cities are walkable, one of my favorite things about them. Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach, is a pedestrian-only area with shops, restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, a great place for people watching, or a walk out to the end of the pier. Hermosa Beach Museum curator Jamie Erickson told me an interesting story. 'I once met a soy bean farmer from the Midwest who works all year to visit Hermosa Beach and stay at The Sea Sprite for two weeks annually," Erickson said. "He vacations nowhere else—this was the place that spoke to his soul.' Downtown Manhattan Beach is perfect for browsing or shopping at unique retailers with quality clothing, home goods, and souvenirs. The view of the pier from the shops on Manhattan Avenue is stunning, and walking the hilly neighborhood is a great workout—and a perfect excuse to stop for ice cream at Manhattan Beach Creamery. The boutiques in Riviera Village are great places to shop, and restaurants line Catalina Avenue, most with outdoor seating. 'Spend the day exploring Riviera Village, a pedestrian-friendly enclave filled with boutique shops, local art, and neighborhood restaurants, then head to the Redondo Pier for a sunset cocktail at Old Tony's or pop into Quality Seafood for fresh seafood with a side of nostalgia,' Waryck said. There are limited Metro lines in the South Bay Beach Cities, but there is the Beach Cities Transit system, a bus service that serves Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and Los Angeles International Airport. Walking or biking are also popular options in the area. If you're planning on exploring beyond the Beach Cities, consider using ride-hailing services or by renting a car. Uber and Lyft rides are readily available, and I use them even for short journeys to avoid having to search for parking in some of the more crowded areas. For transportation to the airport, I depend on South Bay Yellow Cab, a reliable service with drivers who are always on time.

Consultation on plans for Torquay's The Strand opens
Consultation on plans for Torquay's The Strand opens

BBC News

time08-07-2025

  • Business
  • BBC News

Consultation on plans for Torquay's The Strand opens

Torbay residents and businesses have been invited to have their say on future plans for Torquay's The proposals were part of the wider regeneration plans to revitalise Torquay town centre, supported by money secured through the government's Towns design for the project, thought to be worth about £70m, featured a sweeping staircase which would "better connect" the harbourside to the Terrace, Torbay Council said. Redevelopment plans were projected to provide about 80 full-time jobs, £32m in wages and bring 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period, it added. The consultation was open until 25 July, with feedback to be considered before a planning application was submitted, officials said. It was believed an application would be submitted in the autumn, they added.

Snipers appeared to have been stationed on buildings during Liverpool football parade where driver ploughed into crowds
Snipers appeared to have been stationed on buildings during Liverpool football parade where driver ploughed into crowds

Daily Mail​

time27-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Daily Mail​

Snipers appeared to have been stationed on buildings during Liverpool football parade where driver ploughed into crowds

Snipers appeared to have been stationed on top of a building during Liverpool's parade through the city yesterday. Unverified footage circulating on social media appears to show two police marksmen stationed on the Queensway Tunnel Ventilation Tower building overlooking The Strand. In the clip they are looking towards the Grade I-listed Royal Liver Building with a thinly dispersed crowd below. It is not known if any police snipers were deployed before or after the horror unfolded on the adjacent jam-packed Water Street where a Ford Galaxy had mowed down Liverpool fans and injured 47 people. Merseyside Police said it was unable to comment on the footage, but a police source told MailOnline it was standard procedure to have armed officers at large events. At a press conference this afternoon the force confirmed officers with guns had been at the event. The force deployed snipers in 2023 when the city hosted Eurovision, and armed police in 2017 patrolled Aintree for the first time as part of a 'ring of steel' to protect punters going to the Grand National. Security expert Lee Doddridge told Sky News this morning that police had used 'totally the wrong tactic'. He said: 'The immediate thought for me was how was a vehicle allowed to be among so many people? 'I've got to say it is just alarming that a vehicle was allowed to be so close. You allow for emergency service vehicles, it really doesn't matter at this point what the motive was, we know it wasn't terrorism, but really, a vehicle should not have been allowed anywhere near those celebrations.' Mr Doddridge added: 'One of the images shown last night were police snipers on rooftops as if they were covering the crowd. Totally the wrong tactic. If they had focused more on preventing vehicles getting in they could have prevented this incident. 'I say could have prevent it because that's exactly what you do when you do it correctly. I do think it places a massive liability on Merseyside Police for not getting this right.' Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims has said it is believed that the car was able to follow an ambulance. She told a press conference at Merseyside Police headquarters: 'It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack. 'As with many large events, with event organisers we planned for all contingencies and this included the implementation of road closures to protect pedestrians and an armed policing presence was also in place throughout the day. 'There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place, and as we previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism. 'An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.' King Charles today said he was 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the crash during Liverpool's Premier League title parade. The 76-year-old monarch said: 'I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.' Up to one million Liverpool fans had jubilantly gathered to celebrate the club winning the Premier League title with a 10-mile trophy parade through the city centre on Bank Holiday Monday. But in another alarming reminder of how vehicles can be used as a weapon, the celebratory scenes soon descended into a day of horror as a people carrier veered into crowds on Water Street just after 6pm, leaving at least 47 injured. A total of 27 people have been taken to hospital following the horrific incident, including four children. One child was trapped under the car with three adults when firefighters arrived to save them. Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram confirmed this morning there are 'still four people who are very, very ill in hospital'. The other 20 casualties were treated at the scene Jack Trotter, one of the victims who was rushed to hospital, said he remains in 'agony' after being discharged and described it as 'the most horrifying incident I've ever experienced in my life'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the whole country 'stands with Liverpool', describing the incident as 'scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation'. In what has been described as an 'unprecedented' move, Merseyside Police quickly confirmed a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested, adding that he is believed to have been the driver and it wasn't being treated as terrorism. It comes after the same police force was criticised over the Southport murders last summer after riots engulfed Britain over false rumours the killer was a Muslim asylum seeker. But the force has come under fire from security experts and witnesses who have today told of their shock that Water Street, a busy road packed with fans, was accessible to the people carrier and ultimately led to the scenes of chaos. A forensics officer places an item into an evidence bag at the scene where a car collided with people during the Liverpool FC trophy parade -- May 27, 2025 Charlotte Hennessy, whose father died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, said questions need to be asked about how the driver was able to access a 'road which should have been closed'. Footage appears to show the grey Ford Galaxy struggling to make its way along Dale Street, the main business thoroughfare in the city, while hundreds of fans were still on the street. Some could be seen banging on the car's rear and back window, before the vehicle quickly reversed and went forward, seemingly antagonising supporters. The parade bus had passed along The Strand, the main road along the famous waterfront which was closed to traffic, just moments earlier. But Water Street, which runs off it, was packed with people walking into the city to catch trains, buses and taxis home. Later footage seemingly showed that, by the time the car reached the end of Dale Street and entered Water Street, its back window had been smashed. The driver then went on the rampage and ploughed into the crowds. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims last night told a press conference that there were 'robust' traffic management measures in place for the parade, however it was unclear whether Dale Street or Water Street were officially closed to vehicles. Neither were advertised as being part of 'fixed' closures before the event although 'rolling' road closures were anticipated along the route. It is understood that Water Street was closed to traffic as part of a rolling road block as the parade reached the city centre. A source told the Mail that there were bollards at the top of the road, at the junction of Dale Street close to the Town Hall, but these were moved to allow an ambulance to get through and the driver 'tailgated' the emergency vehicle to access Water Street.

Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp
Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp

Glasgow Times

time27-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Glasgow Times

Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp

The Strand, which is also Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse, has released a first look at its £6.5 million face lift, with new CGIs that reveal a return to original art deco features with a contemporary twist. The attraction in east Belfast is set to reopen in summer 2026 following the work supported by Belfast City Council and a £1.8 million commitment from the Belfast Investment Fund. The Strand is Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse (Strand Arts Centre/PA) It originally opened on December 7 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War and changing entertainment tastes in the intervening decades while scores of picturehouses and cinemas closed. The images show the restoration of architectural features that were lost over the decades. For the first time, the Strand's name will stand atop its roof, using the original font that previously graced the side of the picturehouse in 1935, while the building's front facade will be restored with hand-glazed, blue-green terracotta tiles in the same material and style used when the doors first opened 90 years ago. Meanwhile the canopy that spanned the front of the building has been removed, restoring the original 1935 profile of the Strand and allowing south-facing sun to fill a new cafe bar space, creating a bright and welcoming hub at the heart of the venue. The ground floor will feature a Crittall-look window, echoing the original curved glass shopfront on the street corner. Bike stands outside will support active travel, while level access and a new lift will make the building fully accessible for the first time, widening the venue's ability to cater for a diverse range of audiences. The Strand originally opened in 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War (Strand Arts Centre/PA) Strand chief executive Mimi Turtle said it is a celebration of the building's heritage. 'We are thrilled to be sharing these highly-anticipated CGIs, which give people a taste of what the new and improved Strand will look like when we reopen our doors next summer,' she said. 'It was essential to us that the building's heritage was both protected and celebrated, while implementing vital enhancements and features that will strengthen the Strand's offering for future generations to come. 'Over the coming months, our team will continue to support the wider community and keep everyone connected to our treasured venue. 'We've been hosting our popular silver-screenings in Belmont Bowling Club, and we're looking forward to sharing further updates on both the restoration progress, and community activities being held across different locations.' Alongside the support of Belfast City Council, additional funding has been secured from Levelling Up Funding UK, Belfast City Council's Belfast Investment Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation, Ulster Garden Villages, and a number of private trusts and the support of the Strand's patrons. Meanwhile in the lead up to the Strand's summer 2026 reopening, the venue's fundraising initiative, Name a Seat campaign is calling out for both corporates and individuals to take part and purchase its last remaining plaques that will be placed in its new screen rooms. To find out more about the campaign, or further information about the Strand, visit or connect with @StrandBelfast on Facebook and @ on Instagram.

Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp
Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp

South Wales Argus

time27-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • South Wales Argus

Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp

The Strand, which is also Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse, has released a first look at its £6.5 million face lift, with new CGIs that reveal a return to original art deco features with a contemporary twist. The attraction in east Belfast is set to reopen in summer 2026 following the work supported by Belfast City Council and a £1.8 million commitment from the Belfast Investment Fund. The Strand is Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse (Strand Arts Centre/PA) It originally opened on December 7 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War and changing entertainment tastes in the intervening decades while scores of picturehouses and cinemas closed. The images show the restoration of architectural features that were lost over the decades. For the first time, the Strand's name will stand atop its roof, using the original font that previously graced the side of the picturehouse in 1935, while the building's front facade will be restored with hand-glazed, blue-green terracotta tiles in the same material and style used when the doors first opened 90 years ago. Meanwhile the canopy that spanned the front of the building has been removed, restoring the original 1935 profile of the Strand and allowing south-facing sun to fill a new cafe bar space, creating a bright and welcoming hub at the heart of the venue. The ground floor will feature a Crittall-look window, echoing the original curved glass shopfront on the street corner. Bike stands outside will support active travel, while level access and a new lift will make the building fully accessible for the first time, widening the venue's ability to cater for a diverse range of audiences. The Strand originally opened in 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War (Strand Arts Centre/PA) Strand chief executive Mimi Turtle said it is a celebration of the building's heritage. 'We are thrilled to be sharing these highly-anticipated CGIs, which give people a taste of what the new and improved Strand will look like when we reopen our doors next summer,' she said. 'It was essential to us that the building's heritage was both protected and celebrated, while implementing vital enhancements and features that will strengthen the Strand's offering for future generations to come. 'Over the coming months, our team will continue to support the wider community and keep everyone connected to our treasured venue. 'We've been hosting our popular silver-screenings in Belmont Bowling Club, and we're looking forward to sharing further updates on both the restoration progress, and community activities being held across different locations.' Alongside the support of Belfast City Council, additional funding has been secured from Levelling Up Funding UK, Belfast City Council's Belfast Investment Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation, Ulster Garden Villages, and a number of private trusts and the support of the Strand's patrons. Meanwhile in the lead up to the Strand's summer 2026 reopening, the venue's fundraising initiative, Name a Seat campaign is calling out for both corporates and individuals to take part and purchase its last remaining plaques that will be placed in its new screen rooms. To find out more about the campaign, or further information about the Strand, visit or connect with @StrandBelfast on Facebook and @ on Instagram.

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