THERE was a massive banner and what we took to be a smoke machine outside the Cornerhouse last night, as the city celebrated the gala launch of Robin Hood.

Actually, it wasn't a smoke machine at all.

It was a cigarette bin that had caught on fire.

Nottingham was burning and the film hadn't even started yet.

For this was the big night. The night that Robin came home. Local authorities and tourism organisations had teamed up to ensure Nottingham had a night to remember, with the first screening of Ridley Scott's Robin Hood film.

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There were previews running up and down the country, not to mention the Cannes Film Festival. But this was the only gala screening, boasted a proud council staffer.

At 6pm, the first dickie bows arrived. Thank goodness. Until then, you'd have thought the dress-code was more "green felt hats" than "dress to impress".

Special guests included youngster Jack Downham – Noah Tate in Emmerdale – who plays "young Robin" – and Derby-born James Burrows, who is credited as "feral child" in the cast list.

Then there was city boxer Carl Froch, who was accompanied by girlfriend Rachael Cordingley.

Froch, 32, said: "Robin Hood is a legend, that's for sure. Russell Crowe is the lead role in Gladiator, one of my favourite films, so I am expecting big things."

Nottingham City Council hopes the film will provide a timely boost to tourism.

Councillor Leon Unczur, Sheriff of Nottingham until this week, said: "We know that, when Hollywood's spotlight shines on Robin, even more people will want to come to Nottingham to see where his legendary stories unfolded.

"That's why we've got special events throughout May and why we are looking longer-term to develop an attraction that will meet the expectations of visitors on the trail of our famous outlaw."

In fact we had two Sheriffs – past and present – for the price of one.

Coun Penny Griggs took on the role from Coun Leon Unczur on Monday.

"I've been thrown in at the deep end," smiled Penny, a councillor for Sherwood, as it happens.

"It's quite overwhelming. I'm not aware of Nottingham ever doing anything like this before. I'm really looking forward to the film. It's a wonderful opportunity to sell Nottingham to the rest of the world."

You had to travel up a few escalators to find the red carpet itself.

"Ooh-hoo, look at that!" squeaked one film-goer who was off to see something else. Clearly, she wished she'd opted for the Robin film.

But this special screening was VIPs and competition winners only. A very select gathering of 600.

Of course, we couldn't get Russell. Or Cate. They'd begged off to go to Cannes.

But we did get "our" Robin, Tim Pollard, along with Marian and Little John.

All three are regulars at the Castle. but they looked a little out of place here, with their bows and quarterstaffs going up and down the escalators as they kept the crowds happy, posing for pictures.

Then, at 7.15pm, everyone was ushered upstairs to take their turn on the red rug.

As the lights dipped, you could sense the excitement.

A piece of parchment unrolled on to the screen.

"In times of tyranny and injustice, when the law oppresses the people, the outlaw takes his place in history..."

And it's a history that Nottingham delights in.

Downstairs, at the other side of the cordon, teenagers lolled along the floor, scoffing pick 'n' mix and slurping blue slushies.

And Notts lasses rode the escalators, trying not to sound jealous.

"Russell Crowe had accent training to make him sound like he's from the East Midlands. But he doesn't. They played clips of him and he just sounds weird."

Choosing Cannes over this?

Russell, duck. You don't know what you're missing.