Cinemas have changed massively over the years, from single screens to multiplexes.

Stowmarket Mercury: Twins at the opening of the Twin Cinema at Bury St Edmunds in December 1971Twins at the opening of the Twin Cinema at Bury St Edmunds in December 1971 (Image: Archant)

As film fans wait for cinemas to reopen after lockdown, today we are looking back at some of the area's much-loved venues in years gone by.

Stowmarket Mercury: The ABC cinema in the Buttermarket, Ipswich, when the fire brigade attended during a bomb scare in August 1968.The ABC cinema in the Buttermarket, Ipswich, when the fire brigade attended during a bomb scare in August 1968. (Image: Archant.)

Were you a regular at the Saturday morning pictures as a child?

Stowmarket Mercury: Woodbridge Cinema Disc Club members celebrating the club's birthday in May 1982Woodbridge Cinema Disc Club members celebrating the club's birthday in May 1982 (Image: Archant)

Various local cinemas not only showed films, but also had club activities for the youngsters who attended.

Stowmarket Mercury: Paul Glazebrook with The Epics and fans at the ABC cinema, in 1964. The Epics line up also included Dave Lingard, Pete Girling and Brian ParkPaul Glazebrook with The Epics and fans at the ABC cinema, in 1964. The Epics line up also included Dave Lingard, Pete Girling and Brian Park (Image: Archant)

The ABC in Ipswich is one of the popular cinemas featured in our Days Gone By gallery.

Originally built as the Ritz cinema in 1937, it was in the Buttermarket and was renamed as the ABC in 1962. It closed in 1986 and was demolished a couple of years later.

Stowmarket Mercury: Staff at the ABC cinema in Ipswich get together as the cinema closes in 1986Staff at the ABC cinema in Ipswich get together as the cinema closes in 1986 (Image: Archant)

What films did you enjoy seeing at the ABC and the other cinemas featured here?

Stowmarket Mercury: An Easter Bonnet competition at the ABC Cinema in the Buttermarket, Ipswich in April 1965.An Easter Bonnet competition at the ABC Cinema in the Buttermarket, Ipswich in April 1965. (Image: Archant)

If these photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

You can order photos via our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.