Since the Southend Film Festival was launched 16 years ago, everyone looks forward to the star-studded gala night, held on the opening evening of the event each year.

This year’s glamorous red carpet event is sure to be no different - and if you fancy it, you could be there to mingle with stars as well as film and TV producers, directors and creatives.

Famous face - The Office and Pirates of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook with festival director Paul Cotgrove, pictured at the 2014 eventFamous face - The Office and Pirates of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook with festival director Paul Cotgrove, pictured at the 2014 event (Image: Provided)

The festival kicked off on Thursday at the Odeon Cinema in Southend with the glitzy gala event. It will run until Sunday with its usual great mix of documentaries, world cinema, film history talks and classic film showings at the Park Inn Radisson Hotel on the seafront.

Ray of light - Ray Winstone is one of the festival’s patrons. He is pictured here at the 2010 eventRay of light - Ray Winstone is one of the festival’s patrons. He is pictured here at the 2010 event (Image: Provided)

Every year a host of famous faces rock up the red carpet for the opening celebration. Hollywood actor Ray Winstone, who is a patron of the festival, has attended several gala evenings. Actor Phil Davis is also a big supporter of the event.

Cast discussion - Well known TV and film actor Phil Davis, who is from Grays, and the cast of ‘Borrowed Time’ take to the stage to answer audience questions following a screening of their film at the 2013 film festivalCast discussion - Well known TV and film actor Phil Davis, who is from Grays, and the cast of ‘Borrowed Time’ take to the stage to answer audience questions following a screening of their film at the 2013 film festival (Image: Provided)

The gala evening this year included drinks, canapes and a screening of the comedy Broken Arrow starring Downton Abbey and Royle Family actress Sue Johnston, as well as ‘Snatch’ star Alan Ford.

Blockbuster producer - Star Wars and Indiana Jones producer Robert Watts meets some old friends at the 2019 festivalBlockbuster producer - Star Wars and Indiana Jones producer Robert Watts meets some old friends at the 2019 festival (Image: File photo)

Festival director Paul Cotgrove said: “This year is a rather poignant one. Our Opening Gala is a sparkling new comedy, The Broken Arrow, and we are looking forward to welcoming members of the cast and crew to this prestigious black tie, red carpet screening.

Celeb sighting - Hustle and Van der Valk star Mark Warren and friends at the 2011 festivalCeleb sighting - Hustle and Van der Valk star Mark Warren and friends at the 2011 festival (Image: File photo)

“But our Closing Gala will take on a rather different tone as we present a tribute to a much loved actor, director and producer - local lad Darren Kent, a great friend of the festival, sadly passed away last year.

“We hope this tribute, devised by his good friend, and fellow filmmaker, Jane Gull, will be a fitting memorial for a wonderful person.”

Essex boy - Film director and True Blood actor , Stephen Moyer , who grew up in Brentwood, made a huge impact when he graced the red carpet at last year’s festival gala eveningEssex boy - Film director and True Blood actor , Stephen Moyer , who grew up in Brentwood, made a huge impact when he graced the red carpet at last year’s festival gala evening (Image: Provided)

There are still some tickets available for the gala evening, which includes a post-film screening after-party at the Park Inn Radisson. They are £30 each.

southendfilmfestival.com