A Kent seafront has played host to the glitz and glamour of a film premiere - but all was not as it seemed.

For the red carpet event in Margate was in fact part of shooting for a new Hollywood blockbuster starring Oscar winners Colin Firth and Olivia Colman.

Film crews returned to the seaside town over the Bank Holiday weekend to capture footage for the much-anticipated movie, Empire of Light.

Extras dressed to impress in tuxedos and ball gowns to shoot scenes for the film, which is believed to be a love story set in and around a cinema during the 1980s.

Dreamland's former Grade II-listed cinema has been transformed into a stylish retro picturehouse for the movie.

Photographs from the event on Friday night reveal the Empire theatre was showing the premiere of a film called Chariots of Fire, with a red carpet laid out to welcome guests.

Many arrived in vintage cars, which were pictured pulling up outside the venue.

Just days before, actress Colman was spotted filming more scenes in the town, alongside co-star Michael Ward, who is best known for his role in the gritty drama series Top Boy.

Filming is expected to continue in Margate until May 18.

Margate Main Sands, Marine Terrace, Marine Drive, Market Street, Albert Terrace, Hall by the Sea Road, King Street, Cliffe Street, Fort Paragon and Athelstan Road have all been used by crews.

When filming started in February, Marine Terrace was strewn with fake snow and hung with festoon lights, turning it into a picture postcard.

After the impressive illuminations proved popular with locals, the production crew agreed they could stay when filming ends.