Last updated 11:13, Thursday, 13 March 2008

FANCY being on the red carpet with the Rolling Stones? Well, thanks to Carlisle’s Vue cinema you can have the next best thing.

Vue, on Botchergate, has been chosen as one of 100 cinemas to screen the Stones concert documentary Shine A Light on Friday, April 4 as part of the UK's biggest ever film premiere.

The evening includes live footage of the red carpet action, as the stars arrive in London for the first ever UK screening of the film, made by director Martin Scorsese.

The film will be shown at the same time as Mick, Keef and the rest of the Stones see it for the first time on the big screen. It is not due for general release until April 11.

Scorsese filmed the Stones for two nights at New York’s Beacon Theater. This footage has been interspersed with backstage material, historical clips and contemporary interviews with the band.

Carlisle Vue manager John Archer said: “I think that this, and the recent Muse concert we screened, is an opportunity for the people of Carlisle to be involved in something new.

“Having the digital projector allows us to take part in events and films which otherwise would pass us by. Being one of only 100 cinemas across the country taking part in the Rolling Stones premiere suggests that distributors are recognising that, although Carlisle is relatively small, we do want something more than blockbuster movies. “Hopefully it will prove a success which, in turn, will help us provide something different for Carlisle on a more regular basis.”

Carlisle Vue is also hoping to screen classic operas, live from Milan’s La Scala, next month.