Big names set for Belfast festival

Oscar-winning scriptwriter Julian Fellowes - Gosford Park - is just one of several big-name personalities who will take part in this year's Cinemagic World Screen Festival in Northern Ireland during November.

The launch of the event is on Tuesday, October 8, by Chris Cowey, Executive Producer of BBC One's Top of the Pops.

In addition to the customary wide range of events and venues, there will be four smaller festivals for children, to be called Minimagics.

Cowey will host a master-class for young people in Belfast, Fellowes will take part in master-classes with young people from all over Northern Ireland in the hope of opening up the film and television industry to Irish youth.

Others taking part in master-classes and workshops include award-winning animator Peter Lord, and performers Ray Winstone and Eastenders' Janine Butcher.

In addition there will be screenings of Lilo and Stitch, the latest Disney blockbuster due for an October release, and Cracking Contraptions, the newest Wallace and Gromit adventure.