IT HAS courted controversy, roused anger over its public cost and raised eyebrows at its risqué film choices.

But despite all this, Harbour Lights Picture House has established itself as a beacon of culture for Southampton and is this weekend celebrating 20 years in the film business.

With its combination of innovative architecture, offbeat films and intimate auditoriums, it has won fans among those tired of watching big-budget flicks in warehouse-style cinemas.

It has even been the venue for several weddings, with Ian Buckman and Michelle Curley, pictured left, the first to tie the knot at the cinema in 2013.

It has not been an easy ride over those two decades – financial trouble forced it to close its doors in 1999 – but supporters campaigned for its return and it is that loyalty that has seen the venue reach this milestone.

So to celebrate, the cinema is hosting a programme of events, bringing back some of the cinema’s most requested films and offering members a free screening of the very first film ever shown at Harbour Lights, Cinema Paradiso, tomorrow.

Members will also enjoy 20 per cent off food and drink, have the chance to win 20 free cinema tickets and staff have made up a very special 90s playlist to entertain those at the bar.

One member of staff who has been there since the start is assistant manager Mat Guy.

He said: “For those of us behind the scene, and for those of you populating the screens year after year, we do it because this strange little building on the harbour has got under our skin.

“From the very first weekend, when we showed films for free, Harbour Lights has stood for originality and diversity.

“We all have our favourite memory of this place, so why not come and celebrate 20 years of independent cinema this weekend, think back on all those times, and look forward to many more that are yet to come.”

Cinema Paradiso will start at midday tomorrow. For tickets call 0871 902 5733.