Lavenham Film Festival set to draw in fans with 27 films to be screened as well as one-day music event

Movie and music fans are in for a treat as events are announced for a new festival.

The inaugural Lavenham Film Festival, Suffolk, will run between Sunday, October 1, and Sunday, October 8.

Organisers will be screening 27 films in competition, culminating in a gala awards dinner on October 7.

Fourteen jury-selected winners will be presented with their awards by stars of TV and film, including John Altman (Eastenders) and Michael McKell (We Will Rock You), who are both patrons of festival.

It will also feature the ‘world premiere’ of the 90 minute football comedy, What’s The Score?, which will launch the week’s events at Lavenham Village Hall on October 1.

Director, and one of the festival organisers, Justin Smith, said: “The film has been a long time in the making; first Covid, and then my parents’ health prolonged its release, but hopefully this screening will benefit a few good causes, including the Lavenham Dementia Alliance.

“During the week, we will be screening several films every day, in beautiful venues, including The Guildhall, Little Hall, The Angel Hotel and Number Ten. All of these will also feature in our Terror Thursday, a one-day horror festival on October 5.

“We have had films submitted from all over the world, as well as a few local gems, and we welcome everyone to come to Lavenham and watch them.”

The festival concludes with the End Of Festival Music Day, next to Lavenham Village Hall.

Justin added: “We are very lucky to have four top acts, any one of whom would grace or headline major festivals, and they will be joined by stars of TV, film and West End musicals.”

Music acts include From The Specials, From The Jam, The Overtures and Tony Skeggs.

Some tickets are still available for the gala dinner and music day, which will also feature beer tents, a barbecue, food stalls and a raffle. For more information, go online to www.lavenhamfilmfestival.co.uk.