Veteran actor Robert Powell will be the main attraction at this year’s Holmfirth Film Festival.

The festival, which runs from Saturday, May 21 to Friday, May 27, will feature over seventy films from around the world including award-winning highlights such and the best of world and British cinema.

Leading British film, stage and television actor, Robert Powell, will be coming to talk about his long career, which has included such highlights as Jesus Christ, Ken Russell’s Mahler and, more recently, Holby City.

WATCH footage of Old Holmfirth shown at last year's festival

Video Loading

And England’s World Cup triumph at Wembley in 1966 will be screened in full, marking 50 years since it happened.

The Festival’s patron, Sir Patrick Stewart, has sent his support, saying how important film was to his own career.

He said: “I recall as a young boy in Elland being entranced by films and could have stayed in the local cinema and watched films all day. Film changed my life and it can yours.”

The England Team pose with the Jules Rimet Trophy after winning the World Cup against West Germany at Wembley

Festival Director Stephen Dorril said: “This has been an excellent year for film and the festival provides the opportunity to see those that don’t get proper distribution and don’t make into the big cinemas.”

“With help from the British Film Institute, Kirklees Council, Holme Valley Parish Council and local businesses, we try and keep our tickets as low as possible so that children and families can experience seeing great films on the big screen.”

READ MORE:

Themes this year include Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary, war films, sports, children’s films, and films about Sheep.

There are new venues – including a cinema truck – and annual favourites such as Ladies Who Lunch, and Local Film Night.

Mr Dorril added: “The festival is entirely volunteer based and if you would like to help please contact us. We are particularly looking for people to get involved on the technical side and also any young people who might want to help with social media.”

The full festival brochure is available on the website – www.holmfrithfilmfestival.co.uk . Tickets are now available from the Picturedrome and Holmfirth Llibrary and Tourist Information Centre.