GRID Braehead sees visitor rise during National Cinema Weekend

National Cinema Weekend, held on September 5th and 6th, resulted in a significant increase in visitor numbers at GRID Braehead in Scotland. During the event, more than 560 cinemas across the UK offered discounted £4 tickets.

Footfall at GRID Braehead rose by 15.8% compared to the previous weekend and 7.7% compared to the same weekend last year. The weekend's performance was 11% higher than a typical weekend in 2026 without a major film opening. Sunday saw a 12.3% year-on-year increase, while Saturday rose by 3.9%. Specific time periods saw notable growth, including a 28% increase in lunchtime visits and a 15% increase in visits between 7pm and 10pm on Saturday.

Bruce Harley, manager at GRID Braehead, noted that the results demonstrate cinema's ability to drive visits to mixed-use destinations beyond just major blockbuster releases. The increased footfall also benefited the center's food, beverage, leisure, and retail offerings.