A £4m extension project to one of Wales’ leading arts venues will be officially opened by actor Rhys Ifans later this month.

Galeri Caernarfon's new two dedicated 119-seat and 65-seater cinema screens will be opened by The Amazing Spiderman and Notting Hill star on September 21.

The 800 sq metre extension also provides a new entrance and box office, public art/craft display areas, a meeting room and dedicated creative space for workshops.

The development and implementation of whole project by the social enterprise Galeri Caernarfon Cyf has taken seven years - and became a reality with financial support from the Arts Council of Wales (Lottery fund), Visit Wales TAD scheme (European Regional Development Fund funding) and the Welsh Government.

This development will see Caernarfon have the only full-time dedicated two screen cinema in Gwynedd and Anglesey.

The new cinema screens will offer audiences access to a varied film programme suitable for the whole community – including regular “on-release” films, a purpose built cinema environment and an opportunity for the venue to bring in further income through live events in the theatre and hires/conferences/weddings to ensure a sustainable business model.

Galeri's Chief Executive Officer Gwyn Roberts, Galeri’s CEO said: “Back in 2010 we realised that we were in a situation where we weren’t able to fully develop our artistic programme as we were sharing the theatre space between live events and the cinema programme. By now having a dedicated space to show film, it releases the theatre for other events for 90 additional days per year. We’re pleased that we have been able to give Caernarfon a proper cinema for the first time since 1984.”

With the cinema programme to launch on September 14, Galeri will be running “trial screenings” from Tuesday to Thursday, September 11-13 priced at £2 in advance / £3 on the day.

Confirmed titles include Moana (cert PG) September 11 at 10.30am, 5.30pm, The Ballymurphy Precedent (15) September 11 at 6.30pm, Twin Town starring Rhys Ifan (18) September 12 at 7.30pm, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (15) September 13 at 10.30am and Song of the Sea (PG) at 6pm.

For more including programme and tickets, follow Galeri on Facebook, Twitter and online at galericaernarfon.com