The last picture show at Southend's old Odeon/Astoria cinema will also be one of the most memorable.
Tonight's unique fireworks display, reflected against the wall of the old building, will be the highlight of a grand goodbye to what was once the town's most splendid picture palace.
The celebration comes as the University of Essex in Southend prepares to take over the site.
The 1935 building will be demolished to make way for the fast-expanding higher education facility.
Linda Jones, the university's enterprise director, said: "We're sorry to see the old building go but at least we can make sure that it departs with a bang."
The specially designed pyrotechnics will evoke the moment of that big bang.
Ivor Crewe, chancellor of the University of Essex, will be seen apparently pressing a plunger.
The building will then appear to explode in a roar of fireworks.
Some of the great performers who have appeared at the Odeon, including The Beatles, will also feature in flames.
Published Wednesday June 30, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article