VENUES across York are preparing to welcome film fans next month for a festival which is being held as part of the York 800 celebrations.

The Aesthetica Short Film Festival, which runs from November 8 to 11, is backed by City of York Council and will take place in 15 locations – ranging from Guildhall and the Mansion House to bars and shops – with films from more than 25 countries being shown.

There will also be talks from members of BAFTA and Channel 4 and masterclasses from those involved in the film industry.

Coun Sonja Crisp, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “The locations in York provide a great backdrop for the event and I hope people will be inspired by the wide-ranging cinematic entertainment on display.”