MOVIE lovers and filmmakers will be able to enjoy Worcester Film Festival when it returns to the city for a third year.

Set over four days and across nine venues, organisers promise its 2023 return has a vibrant programme that is bigger than ever.

The festival will bring the film industry to Worcester along with more than 60 independent films which will be shown at Odeon Worcester.

There will also be a special 50th anniversary screening of The Wicker Man in Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate.

The festival offers exclusive access to industry practitioners from organisations such as BAFTA and Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) who will give career progression advice and insight into the ever-developing world of visual effects.

There will be opportunities for film lovers to attend workshops with pitching specialists and then test their new skills in front of top judges.

The festival culminates in a Gala Dinner to be held at Worcester’s Guildhall where awards will be presented to a host of filmmaking talent.

There is also the return of the film-inspired art trail that promotes positive mental health showcased in 20 shops, as well as new partnerships with businesses across the city.

The previous festivals have already showcased a UK Premiere that had previously opened at Toronto International Film Festival, held an awards gala hosted by acclaimed actor Mathew Horne (Gavin & Stacey), run networking events sponsored by the Royal Television Society Midlands, hosted a talk by composer Murray Gold (Doctor Who), and showcased over 150 films from 36 countries.

Festival director Hendrik Harms, said: "We're proud to be a festival for film lovers and filmmakers alike and we're looking forward to welcoming back familiar faces as well as hosting new guests from as far away as Australia and America this year."

Worcester Film Festival runs from Wednesday, October 4 until Saturday, October 7 with events at Odeon Cinema, Spin the Black Circle in Pump Street and Huntingdon Hall.

Cafe Cadena in The Cross will be offering movie-themed cocktails while Vivid Ink, Sidbury, will have walk-in appointments for film-related tattoos available to pick from a flash sheet.

For more information visit worcesterfilmfestival.co.uk.