Burton on Trent’s first ever film festival culminates this month with the presentation of the Hop D’Or Awards, followed by an outdoor cinema screening in Marston’s Brewery yard.

Beer Town Film Festival (BTFF) has been initiated by Marston’s Brewery to build a long-term legacy event for the town, which reflects changing generations. The BTFF team is working in partnership with the Burton and South Derbyshire College creative team and recognises film and animated talent from across the UK.

There were a massive 796 entries across five categories, including fiction short, documentary and home-grown talent.

The final event, on May 26, is being celebrated at the brewery and will feature an afternoon of entertainment, including a mini-beer festival featuring three local brewers from the town, as well as street food traders, creating a full party atmosphere for the culmination of the event.

Beer Town Film Festival has been supported by local patrons Rich Yeomans, visual effects director from the Harry Potter films, and local feature film director Debra Haywood. The shortlisted films will be shown in advance of the announcement at the Brewhouse, Burton’s Arts Centre.

Marston’s Brewery marketing manager, Joanne Wyke, said: “The interest has far exceeded our expectations. The response from film makers and animators from across the country has been fantastic, and the enthusiasm and support in the town has been fantastic.

“Everyone has embraced this as a new event which has got some real potential to grow and grow. We have already started planning for next year.”