The Light Cinema Wisbech opened its doors for a red carpet charity gala event last night, before opening to the public today.
About 400 people attended the event, hosted by the Light Cinema in conjunction with Rotary Clubs from Wisbech, March and Downham Market.
The proceeds from the ticket sales - more than £4,000 - went to the Rotary charity while a raffle was held in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, raising £755.
Phil Dove, head of UK operations for the Light Cinema, said: “I want to thank Wisbech for the amazing welcome we have received. It was great to see so many people and we were delighted to raise money for such a worthy local cause.”
Special guests included the mayor of Wisbech, Councillor Michael Hill, mayoress Jane Hill and NE Cambs MP Steve Barclay.
Cllr Hill and Mr Barclay had the honour of cutting the red ribbon to officially open the cinema.
Students from Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech – who took part in the Rotary Young Musician competition - and Wisbech Community Choir provided musical entertainment, singing and playing musical instruments.
Young Chatteris harpists Bonnie and Rosie Scott provided a gentler accompaniment on the upstairs stage.
Four Thomas Clarkson students who entered a Rotary Young Writer competition were presented with certificates at the event.
Molly Mai Taylor, Bethany Ellerby, Jack Fowler and Annabelle Holmes were praised for their efforts by Rotary Youth Projects Lead Margaret Barwell, who called them the “writers of the future”.
The guests then enjoyed a screening of X-Men: Days of Future Past, which will be one of the main blockbusters showing at the cinema in the first week. Other big-hitting movies include the new Godzilla movie and Postman Pat: The Movie.
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