A quaint market town was today transformed into a vibrant film set as two titans of British cinema arrived to shoot scenes for their latest feature.
Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis were seen on location in Halesworth as they shot at various locations in the town.
The new film is believed to be set in a world where The Beatles never existed.
Windows at The White Hart Inn, in the Thoroughfare, were blocked out as filming got under way inside and cast and crew could be seen coming and going.
Scenes were also shot at The Hideout Café and the Thoroughfare itself with many people from the town enjoying their roles as extras in the production.
Throughout the day many residents and shop owners stopped to observe the filming process – hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars, such as actress Lily James, who are linked to the film.
And Curtis chatted and posed for photographs with fans as he walked between shooting locations.
Jo Crampton, who owns Banyan in the Thoroughfare, was among those watching on in anticipation.
She said: “It’s been great, we love it. The town has been buzzing.
“We’ve seen a lot of new faces, we saw Richard Curtis and Meera Syal and I’m sure we saw Sanjeev Bhaskar.”
Ms Crampton added: “I think it’s really interesting. It is a lovely insight into British filmmaking, there are so many people involved and waiting to do their little bit just to bring it all together.”
A publicist confirmed Ed Sheeran, who is rumoured to have a cameo in the film, did not feature in the day’s shoot – much to the disappointment of the schoolgirls who waited around to meet the global chart topper.
Keith Wright, of Halesworth Stationers, praised the crew’s professionalism and spoke of the potential benefits of the filming.
He said: “In the long term it will be great for the town.
“Halesworth is a beautiful market town with wonderful independent shops – the perfect setting for a film.
“It will be positive to have the town promoted through the film; hopefully people will visit when it comes out.”
This week filming has been taking place across the region and is thought to be travelling to Gorleston tomorrow.
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