James Bond fans donned dinner jackets and cocktail dresses to raise money for Samaritans, at a special screening of the new 007 film Spectre in Belfast on Tuesday 27th November.

Odyssey Cinemas, Titanic Quarter hosted the Northern Ireland Charity Gala event. The long awaited movie sees Skyfall director Sam Mendes back behind the camera, and Daniel Craig once again taking the lead in what’s rumoured to be his final Bond outing.

Samaritans volunteers in Northern Ireland answer nearly 200,000 calls for help every year by phone, email and text or face to face in one of 8 branches. Proceeds from the screening will go towards maintaining these vital services.

Samaritans’ Executive Director for Ireland, Catherine Brogan, said it was a really great night: “It was a really glitzy affair and we’re grateful to Odyssey Cinemas, Bond fans, our VIP guests and all our partners for their support. The money raised on the evening will ensure that Samaritans Northern Ireland can be here round the clock every single day of the year for anyone who needs to talk about whatever’s bothering them. No one should have to face the spectre of feeling that they have no one to turn to. We’ll always listen, and we won’t judge.”

The spectacular evening started at 7.15pm sharp with a drinks reception and finger buffet.  Ahead of the Spectre screening, the audience heard from people who’ve called Samaritans at challenging times in their lives, in a video produced specially for the event.

The dress code was strictly Bond-style black tie and sponsors included Cool FM and Magner’s Irish Cider.  Movie goers also got the chance to win some stunning raffle prizes including an overnight stay at the Culloden Estate and Spa, tickets to the hottest gigs at the SSE Arena, overnight stay at the Ashley Hotel Dublin, Rugby tickets at the Kingspan Stadium and first Class return rail tickets to Dublin, to name a few.