ODEON has reportedly slashed ticket prices in half following pressure from film fans – but only at one cinema in south Wales.
Cinema goers at the Odeon in Llanelli will now pay £5 a ticket compared to the previous £9.50, reports WalesOnline.
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The cinema chain, which runs the only picture house in town, had been blasted by locals for charging over the odds ever since it opened in 2012.
Many film fans say they preferred to make the 30-minute drive to neighbouring Swansea where prices cost 50 per cent less.
Odeon charges different prices at its cinemas nationwide.
Fans say the lack of competition in the town meant Odeon could get away with charging what it liked.
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One Llanelli resident wrote on Twitter: “I’ve just looked to book Toy Story for tomorrow and noticed this. Why on earth would I pay double to watch in Llanelli when I can just drive to Swansea?!?
“@ODEONCinemas you need to look at this before you are completely boycotted.”
Someone else added: “@ODEONCinemas how can the Llanelli Odeon prices be more than double than Swansea? Surely something can be done to match the deal in Swansea?”
Another person said: “Odeon Llanelli charging more than double because there is no competition and the film is popular @ODEONCinemas @ODEONHelp @BBCNews scamming families”.
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But it seems Odeon has U-turned on its prices by slashing them in half – although it reportedly says it will still charge extra for blockbuster hits.
A spokesperson for Odeon told WalesOnline: “We are pleased to confirm that ticket prices are now £5 all day, every day at Odeon Llanelli.”
The Sun has contacted Odeon and we’ll update this story if we get a response.
Llanelli councillor, Sion Davies, wrote on his Facebook page: “Thanks to residents’ pressure, we’ve got ticket prices almost halved in Llanelli Odeon.
“Until recently, Llanelli families had to pay almost double what they would if they went to Swansea. Almost £10 a ticket. Not good enough.
“So we named and shamed Odeon in the local paper. And got ticket prices cut to £5 all day, every day. Helping local families save money on a trip to the cinema.”
How to save money at the pictures
WE’VE rounded-up some top tips to help you save cash when you go to the cinema:
- Avoid peak times – Cinemas usually charge you more for watching films during peak times, which are typically after 5pm Monday to Thursday, all day Friday to Sunday and bank holidays.
- Promotions – Always check for offers and deals before you book your tickets. Some mobile phone providers give customers great deals on movie tickets but always check the T&C’s.
- Kids club – Take advantage of weekend kids’ film showings in the major chains. They start from £2.50 at Cineworld and Odeon.
- Snack time – Cinema chains usually charge a small fortune for snacks and drinks, which can soon mount up when added to the price of the tickets. So take in your own – most cinemas don’t allow hot food from outside but a packet of sweets and a drink is normally ok.
A trip to the cinema for a family of four can soon add up to nearly £90 once you take into account drinks and snacks on top of the ticket prices.
But Odeon isn’t the only chain under fire – Cineworld recently sparked fury after it hiked the price of its “Unlimited” card for the FIFTH time in six years.
Prices can vary from chain to chain so use our tips above to make sure you save on your trips to the silver screen.
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