Pictured above: (l-r) Suzanne Green (centre manager at The Cornerhouse) and Jane Barton (marketing manager at The Cornerhouse)

A VIP gala screening of the new Robin Hood blockbuster proved to be a good start to the weekend for Nottingham's Cornerhouse leisure complex,  with 6,500 people flocking to Cineworld to watch the epic at sold out screenings across the weekend.

The special event, held last Wednesday evening, was the UK's only gala screening of the film and was timed to co-ordinate with the premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. A total of 600 VIPs, press and members of the public attended, including many of the extras and support staff involved with the film who were unable to travel to France.

Complete with Nottingham's very own Maid Marian, Robin Hood and Little John, the screening was the result of months of planning and coordination between the Cornerhouse, Cineworld and tourism body Experience Nottinghamshire as well as the city and county councils and other organisations.

Suzanne Green, centre manager at The Cornerhouse, said, "The discussions to host the UK's only gala screening began in 2009 so the evening was the culmination of a lot of hard work from everyone involved and we are delighted with its success.

"Robin Hood is a part of Nottingham's history and it was important for us, as strong supporters of the city's tourism and leisure economy, to be involved in celebrating his story. Working with partners from across the city has been an extremely effective way of maximising this opportunity and showcasing all the city and county has to offer."

The blockbuster has proved to be the most successful British film opening ever for Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott. Attracting a mix of both men and women, it is anticipated that this is only the start of a busy film season, with Sex and the City also expected to be a huge success for the complex.

Robin Hood chronicles the life of the legendary archer and explains how he came to reside in Nottingham. A huge 121 square metre image from the film, which was applied to the glass drum at the front of the Cornerhouse, will remain in place for the rest of May.

The Cornerhouse is a major leisure complex located in the heart of Nottingham City Centre. Completed in 2001 and set across five floors, the striking building is home to a 14 screen cinema, restaurants, bars, hair and beauty salon, nightclub and a casino.