Ambassador Timeline

19992004

19651995

19291964

1928

1927

1926

Ambassador - A Brief Timeline

Conception

A new cinema in Salford was, designed by architect John Knight

Construction

Tragedy strikes when two workers lost their lives digging the foundations.

Grand Opening

The Ambassador Super Cinema officially opened on Christmas Eve

Cine/variety years

The Ambassador's years of hosting films & live performances.

Bingo years

The Ambassador reopens as the Ambassador Mecca Casino & Bingo

Ambassador Project

A group of passionate locals try in vain to save the Ambassador

Film Frame Timeline

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1970

1960

1950

1940

1930

1920

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Go to Conception to opening page

1927

October 1927 - Disaster Strikes as Work Commences

Life for his mate

Work on the Ambassador’s foundations began in October 1927 but turned tragic on the morning of October 22nd when two workers, John Gannon (31) of Salford and John Gregg (31) of Pendleton, lost their lives. The men were sinking a 25-foot shaft when Gannon collapsed at the bottom, likely due to gas accumulation. Gregg bravely descended to rescue him but was overcome himself, gripping Gannon in a final act of heroism. Nearby residents and emergency responders worked desperately to haul both men to the surface, but despite resuscitation attempts, they did not survive.

At the inquest, Gregg’s courage was highly praised, with the coroner commending his self-sacrifice and calling attention to the dangers of excavation in confined spaces. His widow, Mary Gregg, revealed he had felt drowsy the night before, possibly indicating early signs of foul air. The construction company, Gerrard and Sons, admitted they had not conducted air tests, despite knowing the site was an old cinder tip. The coroner ruled the deaths as misadventure, urging greater safety measures for such work in the future.

Go to The Ambassador Project page

1999 - 2004

The Ambassador ProjectA Community campaign

The fight in vain to save the Ambassador

After the Ambassador Super Cinema ceased operations as a Mecca Bingo Hall in 1995, the building stood vacant for over four years. In December 1999, Cath Connett and Mary Ferrer of the Claremont Community Association initiated a campaign to prevent its demolition by seeking Grade II listed status. Their efforts succeeded on October 5, 2000, when the Department for Culture, Media & Sport recognized the Ambassador's architectural and cultural significance.

In December 2000, the Ambassador Project was established, expanding to twelve members by January 2001, all dedicated to preserving the historic cinema. They garnered support from notable figures, including Salford-born playwright Shelagh Delaney, who became the group's patron in July 2001. Despite their passionate campaign and temporary successes, the Ambassador was ultimately demolished in 2004, marking the end of an era for this cherished community landmark.

Go to The Bingo Years page

1965 - 95

The Mecca AmbassadorCasino & Bingo years

A new lease of life for The Ambassador

In 1964, as cinema attendance declined, the Ambassador Super Cinema transitioned into a bingo hall, reflecting a nationwide shift in entertainment preferences. Purchased by Mecca and renamed the Salford Ambassador, it officially opened as a bingo venue with a special ceremony led by Violet Carson, best known as Ena Sharples from Coronation Street. The hall quickly became a popular destination for bingo enthusiasts, attracting large crowds with its lively atmosphere and substantial cash prizes. Despite initial skepticism from some locals, the venue’s transformation proved successful, providing an exciting social hub for the community.

The introduction of jackpot machines in 1972 further enhanced the experience, drawing in even more patrons. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Mecca Bingo hall remained a beloved fixture in Salford, hosting countless games and social gatherings. However, by the late 1990s, attendance began to wane due to changing leisure habits and the rise of alternative gaming options. In 1999, the venue finally closed its doors, bringing an end to over seven decades of entertainment history.

Go to Conception to opening page

1926

A Meeting of Minds

The Ambassador Cinema Circuit is formed

A special feature, according to reports at the time, was to be the "Cabaret Café Rendezvous," situated on the first floor beneath the upper circle balcony. The café would seat 200 guests and accommodate 100 for dancing on cabaret nights. The estimated cost for the theatre, which would accommodate 1,820 people, was £34,000. However, due to an accident that necessitated new steelworks, the final cost rose to £40,000. (Note: £40,000 would be approximately £3,098,833 today.)

The partnership of Read, Snape, and Ward began around 1926 when Alfred Snape, who had entered the cinema business as Secretary and organiser for Trafford Picture House Ltd., joined forces with Councillor Frederick Read, Chairman of Trafford Picture House Ltd., and Arthur Ward, a Musical Director and cinema owner. Together, they formed the Ambassador Cinema Circuit, with Fred Read heading the board as Chairman and Managing Director. By early 1927, the directors had engaged local architect John Knight to design their new style of cinema.

Click for Souvenir Programme

Go to Conception to opening page

1928

December 1928 Christmas Eve Gala Opening

Charity Gala raises £112 and 1shilling

On Christmas Eve, Salford's newest cinema, the Ambassador Super Cinema, opened its doors in one of the city's most coveted suburban locations. The Mayor of Salford, Councillor A. H. Collins, enthusiastically declared, “I am delighted! Salford has played second fiddle to Manchester for too long. We now have a cinema comparable to any in Manchester!” The evening’s three-hour entertainment programme featured two films: "Vaudeville," starring Emil Jannings and Lya De Putti (original title: Varieté 1925), and the feature film "Enemies of Society," starring Conway Teal and Margaret Morris. Before the film screenings, there was an impressive demonstration of the latest 'Holophane' novelty stage lighting effects.

Musical performances were delivered by John Hughes and Madame Edna Melling, accompanied by the grandly titled Ambassador Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Mr. Arthur L. Ward, one of the three main directors of the cinema. During the intermission and organ interlude, patrons were captivated by the performances of organists Mr. Norman Cocker and Mr. Reginald Liversidge, who skilfully played a selection of both popular and classical music on the "Rex Gloria" cinema organ.” All proceeds from the opening gala were donated to the dependents of the two men, John Gannon and John Gregg, who tragically lost their lives during the excavation of the cinema's foundations.

Go to The Cine-Variety Years page

1929 - 64

Ambassador Super CinemaThe Cine Variety Years

The cinema's place in the community

From its opening in 1928 until 1964, the Ambassador Super Cinema was a cultural hub for Salford residents, offering a mix of silent films, musical performances, and live acts, including shows by local amateur drama and musical groups. The venue's elegantly appointed café, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Salford, Manchester, and the Pennines, hosted a variety of social events, including wedding receptions, whist drives, cabaret performances, and dances, further cementing its role in the community.

Beyond its regular programming, the Ambassador organized variety shows, charity concerts, and unique attractions such as beauty contests, where only the contestants' faces were visible to the audience. Local organizations, like the Langworthy Amateur Dramatic Society and the Swinton & District Amateur Operatic Society, were granted free access for charity events, including the 1937 staging of Rainbow Inn to support local causes. This vibrant era, blending film, live entertainment, and social gatherings, defined the Ambassador as more than just a cinema—it was a cherished community landmark.

1930

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1970

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1960

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What you read: interactivity and animation can turn the most boring content into something fun. At Genially, we use AI (Awesome Interactivity) in all our designs, so you can level up with interactivity and turn your content into something that adds value and engages.Remember to add animation! Capture your audience's attention with your content and choose the ideal effect by selecting the element and clicking on the Animation icon that appears right above.

1920

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1940

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1950

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