A former railway signal box in Stoke-on-Trent will open to the public for the first time in over 30 years, with a charity pop-up mini cinima set to take over with all proceeds going to the Macari Foundation. 

For one weekend only, the signal box at Capital&Centric's Goods Yard will be open to film lovers - with two special screenings alongside music, drinks and free popcorn. 

First up on Friday 17 March will be 'Marvellous', the wholesome true story of local legend Neil Baldwin. The BBC film charts Neil's life, from starting out as circus clown to becoming the kit man at Stoke City FC, in turn being named 'the best signing ever made' by then manager Lou Macari.

'The Conjuring' will be shown on Saturday 18 March, guaranteeing tense moments and jump scares in the industrial, atmospheric setting. 

'The Conjuring' and 'Marvellous' will be shown this month (Capital&Centric).

The venue, on Glebe Street, was once a signal box operated by Network Rail but it has sat empty since the 90s. 

Now, it is being brought back to life by Capital&Centric, in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as part of the £60 million Goods Yard neighbourhood. 

Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric, said: "The Signal Box doors have been firmly locked for decades. This is a brilliant opportunity to open it back up for the local community.

"We want people to come down and have a snoop around the building, enjoy some drinks, indulge in loads of popcorn and sit back for the film. A one-off charity gig in a really different and unique space.

"The team is cracking on building out the neighbourhood. In time, the Signal Box will be a café bar, a space where we can have a rotation of cultural events and pop-ups. But we're pleased that – at this really early stage in the build – we can get people down on site and give them a taste of what's to come in the future at the Goods Yard."

Capital&Centric are working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council on the £60million Goods Yard neighbourhood (Sarah Garner).

Movie-goers can expect drinks, snacks, music and free popcorn, with doors opening at 7pm and the films starting at 8pm on both Friday and Saturday night. The ticket price includes a free drink and popcorn, with music, a bar and snacks also being planned.

Every penny from ticket sales will go to the Macari Foundation, a local charity helping to support those at risk of homelessness in Stoke-on-Trent. 

Tickets are just £7 and available here.

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