I woke up this morning and realized that it was on this day in 2003 that the world premiere for the Return of the King took place in Wellington, New Zealand. It was a bright, sunny day like it is today here in England, but a lot warmer.

The streets were packed with more than 100,00 people, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. A motorcade of classic cars carried the filmmakers and actors down to Courtney Place where a quarter of a mile of red carpet led to the Embassy Theatre where the film premiere would be shown. Fans who had come from all over the globe to show how much they loved what had been created.

The day shone out brilliantly for everyone, including the stars, as something to remember for the rest of their lives.