A town centre cinema is celebrating the release of the latest James Bond film with a premiere-style evening where "the guests are the stars".

Those watching No Time To Die at The Light in Sittingbourne on tonight's opening night are encouraged to don their finest evening wear and dress to impress.

In a "true welcome back" to the cinema, there will be photo opportunities, a themed cocktail menu and more at the venue, which also had midnight showings last night for those who could not wait until this evening.

Aaron Leggett, The Light's business manager, said: “We wanted to welcome people back to the cinema with a bang, so what better way than going all out for Bond?

"We’re expecting thousands of guests on the opening weekend, so it looks like the town is as excited as we are to get back to the big screen!”

Each customer who books a ticket online to see No Time To Die will also be entered into a prize draw to win an Aston Martin driving experience and a VIP cinema experience, while five other guests will win a James Bond prize pack.

No Time To Die marks Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 and promises to be an action-packed swan song for the star who leaves the franchise after five films.

He is joined by Rami Malek, playing mysterious villain Safin, and Ana De Armas as agent Paloma.

The cinema at the town's new Bourne Place leisure quarter, next to The Forum shopping centre, finally opened its doors after a five-year wait in May.

The complex, which is part of the Spirit of Sittingbourne multi-million pound regeneration project, boasts an eight-screen cinema, as well as a nine-lane bowling alley, retro arcade, diner and three bars.

There are 675 cinema seats altogether, ranging from 35 in the studios and 175 in the biggest screen, Screen 1.

There are also three types of seats available to book: standard seating; full length lounger beds; and plush electric recliners, while food on offer includes pizzas, burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, popcorn and nachos.

The Spirit of Sittingbourne was given the green light in 2017 but has been hampered by the pandemic. While the town's new Travelodge hotel opened last March and Sentado Lounge opened in October, just before lockdown hit, Creams and Pizza Express pulled out in February, leaving two empty units.

Meanwhile, Nando’s opened its doors to the public last Thursday after months of delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more about the cinema or to book tickets, visit sittingbourne.thelight.co.uk

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