Dame Judi Dench is the patron of the first Ilkley Film Festival, featuring more than 20 events and screenings.

The programme includes Dame Judi in the Oscar-nominated Philomena.

Tickets have been selling well since they went on sale earlier this month, but there are seats available at many of the great movies.

Already sold out are Lad: A Yorkshire Story, The Selfish Giant and Indie rock band British Sea Power’s playing of their score to the film From the Sea to the Land Beyond.

The film festival will feature more than 20 events and screenings, transforming the town’s King’s Hall and Ilkley Playhouse into cinemas over the Valentine’s Day weekend, February 14, 15 and 16.

Other films include A Private Function, filmed on location in Ilkley; classics Cinema Paradiso and Metropolis, with a live accompaniment; and a 25th anniversary screening of When Harry Met Sally.

Comedian Paul Merton will present his show Silent Clowns, a homage to silent film greats such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, with pianist Neil Brand providing live accompaniment, and Mark Herman, whose films include Brassed Off and Little Voice, will give a directing masterclass.

The Yorkshire Film Archive has compiled an Ilkley Through the Ages film.

In a nod to the Tour de France coming through the district in July, a film about Lance Armstrong's drugs scandal, The Armstrong Lie, is also being shown.

Festival organiser Martin Pilkington, who is a teacher, launched and ran the Cheltenham Film Festival in 2010-11.

He said: “I really wanted to bring exciting and interesting films to Ilkley and to perhaps help to inspire a new generation into film or to highlight the talent we already have within the region.

“We’re really proud of this year's programme and hope the inclusion of documentaries, local features, foreign cinema and previews will ensure there is something for everyone.”

Tickets for all screenings and events are on (01943) 602319 or go to ilkleyfilmfestival.co.uk.