Sale cinema’s dementia screenings help ‘unlock memories’
A new series of dementia-friendly film screenings is bringing classic cinema back to the big screen in Sale, with a gentle, welcoming setup designed to make a trip to the movies feel easy again for people living with dementia and those supporting them.
Last month, The Northern Light Cinema in Stanley Square hosted its first dementia-friendly screening to great success.
The screenings are tailored for people living with dementia, alongside a family member, friend or carer (who attend for free), creating a more relaxed environment than a standard cinema visit. For many people affected by dementia, busy spaces, loud sounds and pitch-dark auditoriums can feel disorientating, so small changes can make a huge difference.
At The Northern Light, the lights are kept low rather than fully off and the volume is reduced. Staff have also completed Dementia Friend training and will be on hand throughout the screenings to help if needed.
The cinema is leaning into classic musicals for its programme, as music is widely recognised as a powerful way to prompt reminiscence, emotion and conversation for people living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society notes that music can trigger strong memories and feelings and that many people continue to remember tunes and lyrics even when other memories become difficult to access.
Dementia-friendly cinema screenings are increasingly being offered around the UK, often centred on daytime classics with practical adjustments. And now Sale has its own.
Upcoming dementia-friendly screenings in Sale
The Northern Light Cinema’s dementia-friendly shows will take place on the last Wednesday of the month and the upcoming programme includes:
Singin’ in the Rain – Wednesday 28 January from 1pm
The Wizard of Oz – Wednesday 25 February from 1pm
Funny Face – Wednesday 25 March from 1pm
Easter Parade – Wednesday 15 April from 1pm
Inside the cinema, toilets, entrances and exits are clearly marked, helping guests feel confident finding their way around without stress.
📍 The Northern Light Cinema, Stanley Square, Sale M33 7ZZ
