Whitchurch Town Council has taken the first steps toward a new arts and culture plan, working with Arts Alive to bring film to the town centre.

The town council recently established a new culture committee to develop a cultural strategy for the town.

There is now a dedicated film sub committee which has agreed four initial workstreams for film in the town, including; seasonal film specials at Whitchurch Civic Centre, at least one annual outdoor film screening, film screenings and activities for young people and an annual film festival, starting in February 2021.

The first seasonal special will be a Christmas family screening of Miracle on 34th Street on Thursday, December 19.

The partnership will also examine the possibility of live screenings at the Civic Centre early in the new year with titles such as the recent National Theatre production of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag under consideration.

Councillor Harvey Vasey, chair of the town council culture committee said the plan is an excellent way to boost the cultural profile of Whitchurch.

“This is a great first step in bringing new cultural activities to the town,” said Cllr Vasey.

“We aim to make film development in Whitchurch a big part of the cultural strategy that we will be consulting upon with the town’s residents in the new year.”

Meanwhile, Ian Kerry, chief executive of Arts Alive added: “We are delighted to be employing a new cultural co-ordinator to work with young people groups, bringing film to the centre of town and to start work on new screening formats with the town council, bringing in new audiences especially with young people.

“This project builds on the fantastic work that the Talbot Theatre already does.”

Arts Alive’s cultural co-ordinator Polly Beck says that by screening films that appeal to a younger demographic in a venue that is easily accessible, she hopes to expand their audience diversity.

“Of course, anyone of any age is more than welcome,” added Polly. “But we are especially keen to engage the under 30s and promote cinema as a social event.”

Mayor of Whitchurch, Bev Duffy, added she was “delighted to work with Arts Alive to bring a new vibrant arts and culture scene in the town”.