THE RED carpet is being rolled out for the fourth Liss Film Festival at the Triangle.

This year’s festival will be opened by West End producer Sam Hiller at the opening night gala, which will feature a canapes and fizz reception before the first film is screened.

One of the organisers of the festival, Marilyn Timney, said: “Sam’s a fairly local guy and he’s been very active in the West End.

“He was very keen to help and we’re really pleased that he is helping.”

Preparations are going well for the festival, which will finish with a closing gala of a two-course meal and a screening of the final film.

Marilyn said: “There are a few bits to do, but it is all coming together nicely.

“Once again we have been generously sponsored by Redmayne-Bentley Stockbrokers, and Hampshire County Council. Our local businesses have also provided sponsorship.

“Tickets are selling well for the festival, but there are still some available.”

This year the funds raised from the festival will be put towards new staging for the Triangle.

“We desperately need a new stage to be able to offer a large variety of events,” said Marilyn.

“So we have decided the money we raise will go towards a state of the art stage.”

This year’s festival will be from Thursday, February 18, to Sunday, February 21.

The films being shown are Ricki and the Flash, Cinderella, Sleuth, Song of the Sea, and Kingsman: The Secret Service and Suffragette.

A new feature this year is the opportunity to have afternoon tea on Friday, February 19, after the screening of Cinderella, although that must be booked in advance.

Tickets are available to buy by calling the Triangle’s box office on 01730 301000 on weekday mornings.

Messages can be left outside of those hours.