With premiere tickets being so expensive, the only way I would be able to attend, is to win my way in….

When I wrote my original bucket list after overcoming anxiety, one of the items high up on the list was to attend a red carpet premiere in London. No preferences as to the film, I just wanted the opportunity to experience it.

I had looked in to paying for tickets, however they’re crazy expensive and therefore, this wasn’t really an option for me. The only way I was going to be able to attend was to either make friends with someone in the industry (living in Bournemouth, not very likely), or to win my way in.

I had entered competitions previously for premieres, but had never won, so when the competition arose on social media for the chance to win Aladdin tickets, I applied. Being a huge Disney fan, Aladdin would be the perfect choice of film for me to attend.

The draw date came around, I checked my email and my junk mail and I hadn’t won tickets - but didn’t give it too much thought.

9th May - A standard day in the office for me in my (then) hometown of Bournemouth, 2 hours from London. I’d been in a meeting all morning and broke for lunch at 12.20pm. When I returned to my desk, I had a text saying ‘reminder to collect Aladdin tickets' by 4pm today. I immediately checked my junk mail and i’d missed an email saying someone hadn’t collected their prize, so it had been redrawn. Even worse, the premiere was TONIGHT!

Instantly, running through my mind were the following points:

This is too big of an opportunity to miss
How am I going to get out of the office?
How am I going to get ready in time?
How am I going to get to London by 4pm?

I just knew that I had to be there, not going was not an option.

I explained to my boss, got home, got ready and jumped on the 2pm train to London and (only just) managed to collect the tickets by 4pm. The saga of the above, was almost a whole blog post of its own - honestly, the stress!) Most people would have just given up at this point!

However, I was SO glad I put the effort in, because I had THE most INCREDIBLE time.

The premiere was being held at the Odeon Leicester Square and all competition winners had to be inside the red carpet area pens before 4:45pm. Luckily, I was at the front of my pen, giving me an unobstructed view of the proceedings.

The ‘red carpet’ was created to look like the magic carpet from the film, which was a nice additional touch from the Disney team.

I exchanged my paper ticket for a fancy high gloss cinema ticket at this point, and as I was alone, I managed to get a good spot downstairs in the screening.

The red carpet opened shortly after and Will Smith (Genie) was the first to arrive. He was so lovely and gave everyone the time for photos and autographs. As I was in such a blind panic to get to London, I completely forgot to pack a marker pen - or any kind of pen for that matter - which was slightly annoying.

When I had a selfie with Will smith - it literally felt so sureal - I’ve always been a fan - but now he’s stood next to me, having a photo with ME! Crazy. Friends and family were slightly jealous.

Naomi (Jasmine) and Mena (Aladdin) were also incredible with both the fans and the media, taking the time to chat and interact and ensure everyone had a great time. Again, both stopped for photos. Mena had a pen so managed to get an autograph here! Yay!

Other celebrities in attendance were more sporadic in their interaction and primarily focused on the media but the atmosphere was electric and everyone was in great spirits. I’d seen the glamour of premieres on the TV for years, I love all that stuff, the pretty dresses, hair and makeup - not to mention the shoes!

Once all the celebrities are inside, then the competition winners could follow suit. Seats in the chosen screen were recliners, which added a layer of comfort whilst watching the film. Snacks and a bottle of water were also provided.

The unique element of the screen that Odeon use for premieres, is it also has a little stage in front of it, Therefore, before the screening, the cast appeared on the stage and did a quick Q&A and introduction to the film before the screening began.

Will Smith is still doing photos with the crowd until the lights go out - which was awesome. So patient with retakes and requests. Something you don’t see too often with celebrities.

If you haven’t yet seen Aladdin, you should consider checking it out. The original is one of my favourite Disney movies and although the original is tough to compete with - in my opinion Disney did a great job of this remake.

Well worth the panic and rushing around to make it to London in time.

Ever been to a red carpet premiere? Let us know in the comments below.

Debbie x