Calgary British Consulate showcases best of Britain for Bond movie premiere

Martinis in hand shaken not stirred about 400 people did their best Bond and Bond girl imitation on Monday night.

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They had recently received a mysterious invitation, telling them they were selected for a secret mission by the British Government. Arrive at the Sheraton Hotel, Eau Claire at 17:30 and await further instructions, they were told.

The swanky debrief included cocktails, prizes, canaps and further instructions to show up at the Eau Claire theatre for a VIP pre-release screening of Spectre forthe 24th film in the Bond franchise, featuring Daniel Craig.

The guests represented a cross-section of Albertans, all invitees of Calgary's British Consulate and Tony Kay, the British Consul General. Kay'sjob is to showcase the best of Great Britain to western Canada. He also happens to be a huge Bond fan and hasseen every film and read every book. Besides the Bond premiere, the event also featured what Kay called the 'best of Britain," from the Bond films, Aston Martins Bond's favourite carand a few other preciousprops.

Kay managed to partner with Visit Britain to securethe western Canadian premiere of the movie in Calgary.

The reviews aren't in yet, so we'll have to wait to find out whether this Calgary crowd wasshaken orstirred by Spectre.