Cannes spends millions on security ahead of film festival

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The town has spent £4.6 million on retractable bollards on entry points
The 70th Cannes Film Festival is set to open on May 17
It is the first to be held since the terror attacks in nearby Nice last July
580 volunteers will also be on the streets looking for suspicious activity

Published: 11:31 EDT, 4 May 2017 | Updated: 14:51 EDT, 4 May 2017

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Cannes Film Festival is set to spend millions on security in the wake of the French terror attacks.

The city, famous for its glamorous annual festival is reportedly spending $6 million (£4.6 million) on retractable bollards at every entry point to the town.

The film festival is set to open on May 17.

French police officers gather at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2016 (File photo)

Nicole Kidman attends the opening of the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 (File photo)

Since the Nice terror attack in July, security in the town has been beefed up (File photo)

The festival is the first to be held since the horrifying terror attacks in Nice last July.

86 people were killed during the attack in which a lorry rammed revelers at a Bastille Day fireworks display on the promenade.

According to Variety, Yves Darros, head of Cannes police said the town has spent $6 million (£4.6 million) on retractable bollards at every entry point.

The city is beefing up its security on every level with volunteers recruited to look for suspicious items or people behaving suspiciously.

While concrete sleepers have been fitted on the walkway to the Palais, where the major events are held.

Yves Darros told local newspaper Nice-Matin: 'We were already thinking of securing this place before that [attacks]. Chicanes will also be created on the pavements.

The returns are pretty positive. It's reassuring for the public.'

French police officers take security measures during the festival in 2016 (File photo)

Kristen Stewart and Marion Cotillard will make appearances at this year's film festival

This year marks the 70th Cannes International Film Festival (File photo)

Surveillance of the town's bay and harbour has also been increased.

Last year Cannes recruited 400 security team members to assist police. While this year 500 volunteers plus 80 'vigilant neighbours' have been recruited to help patrol Cannes and look out for suspicious activities.

Stars such as Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Kristen Stewart and Jake Gyllenhaal are set to make an appearance at the 70th Cannes International Film Festival.

Those bringing their own bodyguards will have to go through Cannes clearance and if they carry guns then they will have to have approval from France's interior ministry.

France is still in a state of emergency following a spate of terrorism attacks in the country including the Nice and Paris attacks.

Last month twenty members of a suspected jihadist network named the 'Cannes-Torcy cell' went on trial on terror charges.

Their plan was considered the most dangerous to threaten the country when it was discovered in 2012, reports France 24.

Also last month a policeman was shot dead by an attacker who was described by Francois Hollande as 'terrorist in nature.'

Two other officers were wounded.