Memories of day huge Glasgow star came to cinema as it closes for good

The Dennistoun-born, globally famous singer had returned to her home turf to perform the official opening of the city’s newest, state-of-the-art cinema.

“Lulu, the wee Glasgow lass with dynamite in her tonsils, is back,” we reported, as part of a four-page special on the Forge Parkhead’s £3m, seven-screen Cannon Cinema complex.

Lulu (Image: Newsquest)

“Although it is not for a singing date, it is one that is dear to her heart. When she was a young girl, one of her great delights was going to the movies, especially to see musicals, and in spirit she was right there on the screen with them…we all can dream…”

For Lulu, of course, the dream came true, and along with it came international stardom, movies and hit singles like Shout!

(Image: Newsquest)

For the cinema, however, the dream is over, as Cineworld – who took over the complex in its latter years – closed down on October 6.

A spokesperson said: "After years of providing movie lovers with a place to feel more, we have made the difficult decision to close Cineworld Glasgow Parkhead.

"Thank you to all of you movie-loving customers for choosing us over the years. We hope you continue to enjoy watching movies at our local cinemas of Renfrew Street and Silverburn."

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Back in 1989, however, the opening was a fun affair, with the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car and Strathclyde Police Pipe Band providing extra entertainment.

“The new cinema complex is rather special,” said our reporter. “All the cinemas are beautifully appointed, rich and imaginative in design and with perhaps the finest acoustics of any cinema in Britain.

“All the electronic wizardry is there…it is plush…warm and welcoming, and offers the best possible level of service.”

Among the first films on show at the cinema were Dustin Hoffman’s Rain Man, Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, My Stepmother is an Alien and The Tall Guy.

Manager Eddie Fergusson-Taylor told our newspaper: “At Cannon, every night is a royal premiere.”

He added: “We have the most advanced cinema in Britain. But that is only part of it. People are what the cinema is all about and here at Parkhead we are offering them the very best in entertainment.”

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At the time, Cannon was the biggest cinema circuit in the UK with 150 cinemas and 453 screens under its banner. The Parkhead complex was home to the largest cinema projection room in the UK.

The newspaper also included the delightfully quirky fact that should it be required, the new Parkhead Forge cinema could dispense 24 soft drinks at the same time.

Lulu in 1971 (Image: NEWSQUEST)

Lulu has been a regular at openings in the city over her many decades in showbiz. In 2014, she performed at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

In October 1971, in what seems like a unbelievable thing to be doing now, although at the time, few batted an eyelid, she came to open the Kensitas Coupon Redemption Centre in Fleming House at the corner of Renfrew Street and Cambridge Street.

Smokers often collected cigarette coupons at the time, to exchange for goods such as toasters and kettles. 

Around 3000 people turned out to see Lulu open the store, and she delighted the crowds by singing I Belong To Glasgow from a balcony overlooking the street.