Latest news with #StratforduponAvon
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Film festival returns with global cinema line-up
Warwickshire's Big Picture Film Festival returns to Stratford-upon-Avon this summer for a weekend of international cinema. Organised by Live & Local, this year's festival takes place from 28-31 August with the theme of connection and disruption. The festival, which is supported by Stratford Town Trust, will open with a screening of David Attenborough's latest documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough, after organisers partnered with local environmental groups Stratford Net Zero and River Hope. Live & Local said the line-up included an array of cinema, from classics to modern independents, from live music scores to documentaries and animated works. This year, the festival will be based at The Bear Pit Theatre every day, with additional events taking place at Holy Trinity Parish Centre and Stratford Youth Hub, as well as several fringe events in Warwickshire yet to be announced. What's being shown during the festival? The varied line-up includes a screening of the oldest surviving animated feature film in the world, Lotte Reiniger's The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926), which will be accompanied by a band playing the original music for the film. Another classic being shown is Toshio Matsumoto's debut feature Funeral Parade of Roses (1969), hailed by the British Film Institute as a "landmark of Japanese queer cinema". Stratford-based refugee charity Welcome Here is partnering with Stratford Amnesty International Group to present a screening of the Iranian/Scottish co-production, Winners (2022) - a film set in a small Iranian town as two children find a lost academy award. Also on the line-up is Thelma (2024), featuring 94-year-old June Squibb playing a woman seeking vengeance after being scammed out of $10,000. Local groups Stratford Net Zero, Welcome Here, River Hope and Stratford Amnesty are also presenting a screening of the 2024 Oscar-winning animated film Flow, which follows a black cat in a flooded world, joining other displaced animals on a journey of survival and co-operation. Are other events taking place? Several Q&A sessions will also take place as part of the festival. Stratford-based Bafta winning duo The Brothers McLeod will lead a discussion about the life and death of ideas, called False Starts and Surprises. The festival also welcomes Bafta breakthrough filmmaker Ella Glendining and international award-winning director Gordon Main for Q&A screenings of their documentaries. Ella Glendining's Is There Anybody Out There? (2023) presents a first-hand account of living with disability. Gordon Main's London Recruits (2024), tells the story of the undercover anti-racism missions carried out by ordinary Londoners during the South African apartheid. Screenwriter Geoff Thompson, director Michael B. Clifford and producer Natasha Carlish - all from Warwickshire - will also do a Q&A event about their trilogy of three short films, filmed across two decades, including Bouncer, which starred Ray Winstone and Paddy Considine, and Brown Paper Bag, which won a Bafta. Alongside the main festival, there will also be an awards ceremony and Q&A screening of this year's short film competition winners. How much do tickets cost? The festival has maintained its pay-as-you-feel box office, with organisers saying this meant there was "no financial barrier to attend". Chris Davis from Live & Local said: "We are extremely grateful for the support of Stratford Town Trust, which has allowed us to bring our film festival back to the town and also helps to make the festival more accessible to audiences. "We have some great events lined up and we encourage audiences to come along and enjoy, whatever their budget." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Related internet links Live & Local Big Picture Film Festival
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Big Picture Film Festival returns to Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire's Big Picture Film Festival returns to Stratford-upon-Avon this summer for a weekend of international by Live & Local, this year's festival takes place from 28-31 August with the theme of connection and festival, which is supported by Stratford Town Trust, will open with a screening of David Attenborough's latest documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough, after organisers partnered with local environmental groups Stratford Net Zero and River & Local said the line-up included an array of cinema, from classics to modern independents, from live music scores to documentaries and animated works. This year, the festival will be based at The Bear Pit Theatre every day, with additional events taking place at Holy Trinity Parish Centre and Stratford Youth Hub, as well as several fringe events in Warwickshire yet to be announced. What's being shown during the festival? The varied line-up includes a screening of the oldest surviving animated feature film in the world, Lotte Reiniger's The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926), which will be accompanied by a band playing the original music for the classic being shown is Toshio Matsumoto's debut feature Funeral Parade of Roses (1969), hailed by the British Film Institute as a "landmark of Japanese queer cinema".Stratford-based refugee charity Welcome Here is partnering with Stratford Amnesty International Group to present a screening of the Iranian/Scottish co-production, Winners (2022) - a film set in a small Iranian town as two children find a lost academy on the line-up is Thelma (2024), featuring 94-year-old June Squibb playing a woman seeking vengeance after being scammed out of $10, groups Stratford Net Zero, Welcome Here, River Hope and Stratford Amnesty are also presenting a screening of the 2024 Oscar-winning animated film Flow, which follows a black cat in a flooded world, joining other displaced animals on a journey of survival and co-operation. Are other events taking place? Several Q&A sessions will also take place as part of the Bafta winning duo The Brothers McLeod will lead a discussion about the life and death of ideas, called False Starts and Surprises. The festival also welcomes Bafta breakthrough filmmaker Ella Glendining and international award-winning director Gordon Main for Q&A screenings of their Glendining's Is There Anybody Out There? (2023) presents a first-hand account of living with disability. Gordon Main's London Recruits (2024), tells the story of the undercover anti-racism missions carried out by ordinary Londoners during the South African Geoff Thompson, director Michael B. Clifford and producer Natasha Carlish - all from Warwickshire - will also do a Q&A event about their trilogy of three short films, filmed across two decades, including Bouncer, which starred Ray Winstone and Paddy Considine, and Brown Paper Bag, which won a the main festival, there will also be an awards ceremony and Q&A screening of this year's short film competition winners. How much do tickets cost? The festival has maintained its pay-as-you-feel box office, with organisers saying this meant there was "no financial barrier to attend".Chris Davis from Live & Local said: "We are extremely grateful for the support of Stratford Town Trust, which has allowed us to bring our film festival back to the town and also helps to make the festival more accessible to audiences. "We have some great events lined up and we encourage audiences to come along and enjoy, whatever their budget." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Warwickshire fundraiser Mr Ovary given British Citizen's Award
A man who dresses as a giant ovary to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research has been honoured with an award for services to healthcare. Craig McMurrough, from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, has completed more than 200 runs and events, including the London Marathon and Great North Run, wearing a giant foam ovary costume. He took up the challenge after his sister Cheryl died with ovarian cancer in 2016. "It's a beautiful tribute to my late sister," said Mr McMurrough of the was among 27 people given the British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday for their outstanding contributions to society. Mr McMurrough has raised close to £100,000 for cancer support charity Ovacome, and also created a choir for women with ovarian cancer."It feels wonderful to be awarded," he said. "It's a beautiful tribute to my late sister but also to all those other women we've lost to this terrible disease and those who continue to battle it," said Mr McMurrough. "Cheryl was simply an earth angel," he added. "She had the most caring, loving personality and everyone loved her - she did so much for others and was completely selfless, her bright blue eyes lit up a room and her infectious laugh meant you couldn't help but laugh and smile along with her."He said he hoped the award would give him the opportunity to spread awareness to an even wider audience."Cheryl's motto in life was never, never give up and I will continue to honour her memory every time I put my costume on," he said. Stephanie Wood from BCA partner One Stop said: "This year's medallists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times."We're honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- The Sun
The cosy ex-farmhouse that's now a hotel right by the Cotswolds with its own beer garden
THE Broom Hall Inn is an ideal place to stay if you want a base slightly away from the more expensive hotels in the Cotswolds which still offers a great experience. Read on to find out about their country pub and endless ale. 2 Where is the hotel? It is quite secluded, in the village of Broom, but it is only a 15-minute drive from Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford upon Avon and near Evesham and the Cotswolds. Free parking is available to guests. What is the hotel like? A former 16th-century farmhouse, it was transformed in 2008 into a traditional pub and steakhouse, with 12 en-suite rooms. As a family-run business, it is very homely and welcoming. This comes across in their food menus and bedroom set-up. What is there to do at the hotel? At the Inn itself, there is not lots to do, but plenty surrounding the hotel. Visit Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford upon Avon and the Cotswolds to see these historic attractions. Or visit the Roman Alcester Heritage Centre to see Roman treasures from the archaeological digs. What is there to eat and drink there? The hotel menu varies as the owners work very closely with the Head Chef and staff. Definitely eat in the steakhouse. It serves a huge array of food, including burgers and fish and chips. Make sure to save room for one of the many desserts - the Malteser cookie pie was particularly indulgent. Their country pub is also a great spot to try locally sourced-brewed ales and globally known beer. And if it's sunny, you can sit in the beer garden. A bonus is the huge outdoor play area by the pub where kids can have fun while the adults are sipping beers. What are the rooms like? Prices start from £115 a night for a double room, with breakfast included. All the rooms are spacious and clean, and the inn combines original Tudor features with modern furniture. The Shakespeare Suite on the top floor has a roll-top bathtub, very comfortable seating area and a huge bed. If you want to cater for yourself, it's not a problem as there are four self-catering cottages. Is hotel family-friendly? Yes. As a family-run business, it opens its doors to families. Is there access for guests with disabilities? The ground floor is wheelchair accessible. For specific room details get in contact with the Inn. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 2
BBC News
22-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Stratford-upon-Avon BBQ plea sees people urged to use takeaways
People have been asked to buy food and drink from takeaway restaurants rather than use disposable barbecues in District Council urged people not to use disposable appliances in any green space this summer because of environmental and safety hazards, and also warned of the dangers of lighting years have seen visitors and residents using throwaway barbecues on the Recreation Ground, in Welcombe Hills, Clopton Park and other green spaces.A council spokesman said the barbecues took several hours to fully cool, which meant they were often left where they were, or left in or near a litter bin, presenting a "significant danger". "The district council urges anyone thinking of using a disposable barbeque on green spaces within the district to instead purchase food and drinks from many of the local takeaway restaurants," he incident in 2023 saw the contents of a waste lorry set on fire after a barbecue was put in a recycling bin, he barbecues had caused forest fires elsewhere across the country, he appliances cannot be recycled, he said, adding that burning charcoal also released pollutants. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
