Countdown to Leeds Lift Off Festival

Film, music and performing arts students from Leeds Beckett University are set to host their annual Lift Off Festival as part of their end of degree shows.

The festival, which celebrates the students’ creative talent, will take place in and around the City and Headingley campuses from May 9 to 13.

Larra Anderson, director of the Northern Film School, said: “We are exceptionally proud of our third year BA (Hons) Filmmaking students and the tremendous work they are producing on their graduation projects.

“Given their talent, skill, hard work and the immense ambitions of their task we really look forward to sharing their final film projects with the wider world. The screening and script readings on Thursday, May 12 at the Hyde Park Picture House should be a wonderful culmination of the students’ time at film school and a real opportunity for celebration for all who attend.”

A mixed programme of graduation films will be shown on a loop from 10am to 4pm next Friday at the university’s Broadcasting Place building.

Beth Cassini, senior lecturer in dance, added: “The third year BA (Hons) Dance and Performance graduation projects are dynamic, innovative and thought-provoking - they really test the students’ ambition and creativity. Invariably they have risen to the occasion with original and high quality performances.

“The students’ work will be performed in a range of professional venues across the city; both in our Beckett Theatre and studios, Yorkshire Dance and at Live Art Bistro, reflecting the diversity of the work and bridging the students next exciting steps into the wider industry.”

Events are free but some have limited seating. For more www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/events/.