Diss Picture House parade precedes museum's grand reopening

Diss delivered a vibrant display of outfits at the weekend, as people formed a parade to mark 50 years since the town’s picture house closed.

The parade set off from the Methodist church car park in Victoria Road, before winding its way to Diss Museum for the ribbon cutting as it reopened for the year.

Museum manager Basil Abbott said: “We had more than 50 people on what was a beautiful morning.

“We had the Scouts dressed as Indiana Jones, we also had people in David Copperfield outfits and Casablanca ones.

“We stopped for a medley of film songs along the way, too, before our guest of honour, 97-year-old Denis Clarke, cut the ribbon for us.

“We are excited to have the museum open and have an excellent exhibit about the picture house for our visitors.”

The museum, which is open every day other than Sunday, between 11am and 3pm, is currently in need of extra stewards and is welcoming volunteers who wish to assist.

“We’re pleased to have the picture house exhibit to mark 50 years as it was a very important part of the town’s history – acting as a real focal point,” said Mr Abbott.

“We always need extra stewards, of course and, if anyone wishes to help out, they can contact the museum on 01379 650618.”

Along with the parade, the nearby Amandines restaurant decided to celebrate Casablanca by serving Moroccan food. In the evening, there was a concert of music from the flicks by the South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band at St Mary’s Church.