MI6 looks back at the dozens of local "Quantum of Solace" premiere events held around the UK shortly after the World Premiere...

Regional Premiere Roundup
10th December 2008

Just one day after lucky viewers witnessed "Quantum of Solace" at the Royale World Premiere on Wednesday 29th of October 2008, local James Bond fans were able to get a taste of Daniel Craig's second adventure at a series of events around the UK. Each local screening hosted its attendees in true James Bond style and profits were gifted to a unique and worthy charity.

Bath Bath's own Odeon on James Street West was host to 007 and a sell-out crowd of over 240 eagre fans, each chipping in £30 towards the local Friends Forever Appeal. Security was on high alert for the event to assure copyright laws were not infringed before nationwide release. Crowds gathered early at 7pm for a champagne reception, before an auction of Bond themed goodies and the film screening at 8pm. Birmingham The Midland's premiere of "Quantum of Solace" saw Birmingham City, West Brom and Villa football players in attendance as well as local celebrities Joanne Malin and Noddy Holder who joined the fans to celebrate the launch of the 22nd Bond picture. Raffles and auctions were run to benefit Acorns Hospice, whose goal has been to raise one million pound before Christmas in order to fund selected research projects. Thanks to 007, that goal is looking a little closer. Birmingham's "Quantum" premiere saw a glamorous evening for fans to dress up and a chance to win an exclusive James Bond branded martini set.

Chester
A black-tie evening out in Daniel Craig's hometown of Chester was held on October 30. The screening hosted by Cineworld saw the star's father, Tim Craig, on the VIP list ready to raise funds and awareness for RLNI. A champagne reception was thrown for lucky guests (whilst many without tickets lined the streets outside the cinema) before the screening and the party continued after the action-packed picture at a local nightclub, hired for the purpose.

Dublin
The Savoy Cinema in O'Connell St was host to the first screening of "Quantum" in Ireland. Keith Duffy of Boyzone fame and U2 manager Paul McGuinness were walking the red carpet in aid of UNICEF.

Grimsby
Tuxedos were dusted off and martinis were flowing at North East Linconshire's 007 premiere event. The Cleethorpes' Parkway cinema was given its license to thrill and generous cinema fans (some paying up to £250 per ticket) raised over ten thousand pounds for When You Wish Upon A Star. A series of gambling tables were available for guests to flutter and 007's ride, the Aston Martin DBS was on hand for a photo opportunity.

Hereford
St Michael's Hospice was the grateful recipient of funds raised at the Hereford Odeon on October 30. James Grant, location manager for "Quantum of Solace" was in attendance and ready and willing to relay stories from shooting on location in Panama.

Huntingdon
A black tie reception in Huntington saw auctions and raffles, martinis mixed 007-style, Bodyworks dancers and funds raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust based at Addenbooke Hospital.

Manchester
Manchester 235, AMC cinema and the Hilton Hotel teamed up to co-host a lavish Bond themed event for local 007 fans. The invite specified 'strictly black tie' - a rule that was observed by all save the cast of "Hollyoaks", who showed up to the event. A successful evening out despite the colourful mixture of attire saw funds raised for Nordoff Robbins.

Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays' Vue Cinema hosted Bond fans in Portsmouth for the premiere of the new film. Entry was priced at an affordable £15 and guests enjoyed cocktails in Bond fashion whilst awaiting the screening. The lucky benefactor for the evening was Seafarers UK - a group who offers grants to 70 charities that help people who have worked at sea, including the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets.

Scotland
A lavish event with a surplus of Bollinger champagne was put on in Glasgow to raise funds for Maggie's Centres; a charity dedicated to assisting those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Generous filmgoers were able to raise £10,000 for the charity. The Cinewold-hosted premiere was attended by Rangers football star Christian Daily and former First Minister Jack McConnell as well as a throng of enthusiastic, tuxedo clad Bond fans.

Southampton
On the 13th of November, almost two weeks after general release, Southampton Hospital Charity together with the Daily Echo hosted 'An Evening of Glamour with James Bond'. The event kicked off at 7.30 where guests were royally welcomed with a glass of champagne and nibbled on canapés. Fans contributed £15 per ticket to raise funds for specialist treatment for blood disorder patients.

Woverhampton At the Cineworld in Wednesfield "Quantum of Solace" had 007 fans raving about the film after their exclusive preview. Despite a cold autumn evening, Bond brought out families and businessmen alike in order to sip martinis and pose with a very slick Aston Martin. Worcester A red carpet event at Worcester's Odeon in Foregate Street saw over 400 Bond fans and filmgoers attend "Quantum of Solace" on 30th October. Attendees were treated live renditions of Bond themes and actor John Challis and Worcester Warriors captain Pat Sanderson were among the best-known attendees at the champagne & canapé pre-party. Guests were gathered to witness the local premiere of the film as well as raise funds for the Prince's Trust youth charity. Swindon Empire cinema was host to local Bond fans and local celebrities including, Johnny Ball, boxer Jamie Cox and Miss Swindon - Rebecca Cole. Michael Pook, Blair Sturrock, Billy Paynter and Michael Timlin of Swindon Town fame were also on the guest list to promote and raise funds for NSPCC.

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