Thousands of people enjoying a night out had their evenings interrupted by a power cut.

About 1,100 homes and businesses in the Chatham area were plunged into darkness by the power outage last night.

The blackout, which happened at 8.25pm and lasted about an hour,was sparked by a fault to the underground cable network.

Among those affected were thousands of people enjoying a night out at restaurants and the Odeon cinema at Chatham’s Dockside Outlet Centre.

UK Power Networks initially said 273 homes and businesses were affected but a spokesman said today it was more than 1,000.

The Chatham Dockside area was swarming with people who were told to leave the Odeon cinema and other outlets as the blackout struck.

Stores at the shopping centre next door had already closed, at 8pm, but the light supply in the car park was out.

A UK Power Networks spokesman said: "We are sorry for any trouble this may have caused."

Movie-goers and diners took to social media to express their disappointment.

Films hit by the blackout included the long-awaited Trainspotting 2, which was being shown for the first time.

kmfm newsreader Joshua Coupe, who was out at Chatham Dockside, said: "The power went out at around 8.15pm and we were all left sitting in darkness.

"Everyone is now trying to leave the car park and the traffic and street lights are also out.

"Unfortunately the restaurant's card machine was still working."