An independent cinema in Ipswich is asking for the public's help to save the venue and purchase a new projector.

Opening in 1975, King Street Cinema inside the Corn Exchange has said it has eight weeks to buy the new projector, due to the current one "being one step away from completely failing".

The current one is 15 years old and is running on components that have no replacements due to technology advancing.

Daniel Champion, managing director at the cinema, said: "We find ourselves in a position where everything that could have been replaced 10 years ago on the current projector can no longer be replaced.

Ipswich Star: Daniel Champion, managing director of King Street Cinema. Credit: Charlotte BondDaniel Champion, managing director of King Street Cinema. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"That necessitates us having to purchase a new one, but that would see us through another 20 years."

The new projector will also be using laser technology which can last for about 14,000 hours (583 days) whereas the current one uses a lamp, which needs to be changed every six months at a cost in the region of £2,000 each time.

Mr Champion added: "This new projector would offer us security in the use of the projector.

"It would reduce our outgoings as a business as well, and it would reduce the energy consumption for the building itself, which in turn then benefits Ipswich Borough Council, and Ipswich taxpayers.

Ipswich Star: King Street Cinema is located in the Corn Exchange on Kings Street. Credit: Charlotte BondKing Street Cinema is located in the Corn Exchange on Kings Street. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"It has all these extremely positive results and ensure we are still around."

This new projector is not cheap, however, costing in the region of £36,000.

The cinema has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise half that amount so that it can purchase the new piece of kit.

The cinema is aiming to do all this within the next eight weeks, as that is when the current projector's lamp is set to go for them.

Mr Champion said: "I've never done anything like this before.

"You go into it blind, but the swiftness that people have donated since it has been up is just heartwarming and humbling."

To donate to help save the cinema, click here.

Ipswich Star: King Street Cinema has eight weeks before their current projector needs a new lamp. Credit: Charlotte BondKing Street Cinema has eight weeks before their current projector needs a new lamp. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)