Keira Knightly on the red carpet

Hundreds of screaming fans, some of whom had been waiting in the rain for 16 hours, welcomed Benedict Cumberbatch on the red carpet for the European premiere of The Imitation Game at the gala opening of this year's BFI London Film Festival.

The Sherlock star plays computer pioneer Alan Turing in the wartime drama.. Co-star Keira Knightley and other members of the cast – including Charles Dance and Mark Strong – also braved the rain on the opening night of the festival. Knightley plays Turing's close friend and fellow-code breaker, Joan Clarke. Keira, in a dazzling gold gown, struggled to keep her hair under control in the wind and rain. London Film Festival director Clare Stewart said: "There have been people waiting for the red carpet since 4am – I'm thrilled that Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley decided not to take a rain check." The festival, which is attended by several HFPA members, is screening 248 films at 17

venues across London over 12 days. Edge of Tomorrow star Emily Blunt, speaking at an eve-of-festival gala dinner, described London as "the new Hollywood," saying: "I think the locations here are stunning, the crews are astonishing, we have amazing studios and we have a craftsmanship here that has come from people working in this industry for years. She was joined by Dhjango Unchained star Christoph Waltz who agreed, saying: "There's more happening in London than anywhere else. All the business happens here."