AFTER months of waiting Screen 2 is finally upon us. Directly above Walton’s Fine Furnishings shop and backing on to Screen 1, Screen 2 will hold a combination of 41 newly furnished sofas and armchairs.

Stylish and intimate, Screen 2 will afford the cinema more flexibility in programming, meaning when distributors put conditions on purchasing films, Ilkley cinema won’t be forced to show a film all day, every day, for several weeks.

The second screen will also cater for overflow to those popular films that in the past have sold out, leaving some unable to get a ticket.

Exciting times are ahead and in an era when most independent cinemas have shut down, it’s a laudable feat that Ilkley Cinema is not only still going strong over two years after opening but is expanding, to give its customers the best possible experience.

The first film to grace the new screen is Sony Pictures’ gothic inspired animation, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. Brought to you by the creator of Samurai Jack, Dexter’s Laboratory and Star Wars: Clone Wars, comes the third instalment of this crazy animated family comedy. Lonely and exhausted, Drac gets persuaded to finally take a summer vacation, to relax and maybe find that someone special, on a very different kind of cruise ship.

With an all-star cast including Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Adam Sanberg, Kevin James, Steve Buscimi, Chris Parnell and even starring the comedy genius that is Mel Brooks, there are plenty of laughs on offer, perfect entertainment to take the kids to on a rainy September morning.

Next up in Screen 2 is Disney’s new live action/CGI comedy/drama, Christopher Robin. Inspired by the original A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard book, Winnie-the-Pooh, the film sees Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor), the little boy from the original stories all grown up,but having lost his imagination.

Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood re-enter his life to help him find it again. Featuring one of the originally actors to voice Pooh, This looks to be one of those special films that everyone will enjoy. Whether you grew up with the little yellow bear and are looking for a nostalgia hit or you’ve never sang along to the Tiger song, this is really, not one to be missed.

In contrast, the final edition to complete the first week of Screen 2, is probably not for everyone. But for anyone who loves a good ocean thriller, The Meg looks set to get the blood pumping.

Featuring a gigantic pre-historic shark, Jason Statham and plenty of tongue in cheek, the Meg takes the likes of Jaws and Deep Blue Sea to the next level.

The Meg is the perfect opportunity to scare yourself to death, at a safe distance, in a comfy, dry, shark-free environment.

If you’ve skimmed through all this, hoping and wishing, your prayers have been granted then Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again is here again for another week. It will be kept company by last week’s successful Mission Impossible: Fall Out.

So that’s five films to choose from - good luck.

l Philip Duguid-McQuillan