Drive-in moviegoers huddled together round their car radios to hear the soundtrack to the rock'n'roll musical as it played on a giant screen.

Thousands of people, from as far away as London, pitched up for the movie, organised as part of Portsmouth Film Festival.

There were whoops of delight and drivers flashed their headlights as the famous opening credits of Grease flashed on to the huge 60ft screen, suspended 13ft off the ground.

The common looked as though it had been transported back to the 1950s – the era the teen flick was set in – as teenagers sat on top of their cars and couples huddled together with their convertible tops down to watch the film.

The event sold out quickly and organisers had to turn cars away once the 500 spaces had been filled. Elicia McGregor, watched the film on top of her parents' car, along with three other friends.

The 15-year-old, from Purbrook, said: 'I love Grease and I've always dreamed of going to a drive-in movie but never thought I'd get the chance.

'This is absolutely amazing – the atmosphere is brilliant and everyone is enjoying themselves so much. We can hear it and see it really clearly and it does feel special, like we've gone back in time.'

The 1970s musical starring a young John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John was chosen as the drive-in film by readers of The News.

The blast of nostalgia brought the Piercy family all the way from London. Mum Lesley said: 'My daughter absolutely loves Grease and when we were down here about a month ago we saw the drive-in movie advertised in The News and we knew we had to come.

'It has been great, a real treat. I hope they do it again next year.'

The drive-in movie was the highlight of a successful weekend for the Portsmouth Film Festival which ended last night at the new No.3 cinema in the Guildhall with Shortcuts, showcasing the work of local filmmakers.