Film fans will already have cleared their diaries for the BAFTAs and the Oscars awards ceremonies in February, and now there’s another date to make sure you’re free for – the first ever Renown Pictures Festival of Film 2015, in Rickmansworth.

Organised by the independent, family-run film company Renown Pictures, based in Chipperfield, the festival is a celebration of the history of British film and will give celluloid buffs the chance to attend screenings of once-lost films, not to mention meeting the stars of some of them.

Renown is the largest independent distributor of British films and specialises in films from the 1930s, ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, so if you’re a fan of that era there are some great rare treats in store for you.

The classic movie screenings will be running throughout the day, and they include: London Entertainers (1951), starring Eamonn Andrews, Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Michael Bentine; Frail Women (1932), directed by Maurice Elvey; The Case of the Mukkinese Battle-Horn (1956), starring Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan and Dick Emery; Hole Lot of Trouble (1969), a colour short featuring Arthur Lowe, Victor Maddern, Bill Maynard and Tim Barrett; and Tons of Trouble (1956), with Richard Hearne and William Hartnell.

In the green room between the films, key guest speakers will be on-hand from both in front of and behind the camera, including actors Jess Conrad OBE and Brian Murphy, and Derek Threadgall who worked at Shepperton Studios in the 1960s, and Tim Langley from restoration lab Deluxe.

There will also be a variety of stalls selling DVDs, film memorabilia, vintage film posters and merchandise, and there will be a 16mm bring and buy table, as well as book signings taking place throughout the day.

  • The Renown Pictures Festival of Film 2015 is at Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth on Sunday, February 8 from 10am to 5.30pm. Details: 0808 178 8212, renownfilms.co.uk