New IMAX and 4DX screens are officially open at Cineworld in Ashford, marking the final stage of the site's long-awaited expansion.

The first film to be shown on the big screens in both auditoriums was Morbius which was released today.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 premieres in the 4DX screen from tomorrow at 12.10pm.

Fantastic Beasts, the Secrets of Dumbledore will also be available on both IMAX and 4DX when it is released next Friday, however tickets are available to book now.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in the IMAX auditorium last night where general manager Gary Cork officially marked the opening with Kelly Drew, Cineworld operations director, and John Schreiner from IMAX.

Work on the extension housing the screens began in March 2020, five years after the plans were approved, but Covid lockdowns delayed the construction.

Now, tickets for 4DX are available and film fans can book to see The Batman, Uncharted, Jujutsu Kaisen and Sonic The Hedgehog 2.

This is the first 4DX screen in Kent and gives customers the opportunity to see the latest movies with high-tech motion seats engineered to work with the action on screen.

It means the audience will be surrounded by special effects such as wind, fog, lightning, snow, bubbles, water, and scents.

Available in both 2D and 3D formats, 4DX is described as one of the biggest innovations in cinematic technology.

The IMAX auditorium has a 4K laser projection system to deliver increased resolution with sharper, and brighter images.

It also has 12-channel sound technology for the ultimate in audio immersion and reclining leather seats.

On Friday, March 4, the ScreenX auditorium opened in the original part of the cinema with a midnight screening of The Batman.

The wraparound screen expands the traditional cinema screen to the side walls of the auditorium, creating a 270-degree viewing experience for the audience.

All of the screens in the original part of the cinema have also been upgraded with new seating.

Refurbishment of the foyer was completed last autumn in time for the James Bond film No Time To Die and saw the removal of a huge mirrored ceiling.

The Starbucks outlet has been installed where the former box office once stood.