FROM Ghostbusters and Oompa Loompas to adventures with swashbuckling pirates, this year’s Eastleigh Film Festival has announced a host of films for all the family next month.

Last year’s inaugural festival set the bar high, with a packed week of immersive film-based fun.

This year, with support from the Eastleigh Business Improvement District and Arts Council England, the festival, curated by The Point, will return with an exciting line-up of special screenings, including ones with families in mind.

Audiences will be whisked away to a world of pure imagination for an intimate screening of the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in the town’s Treats Gelato.

Relive the classic 70s film, with Gene Wilder’s mesmerising performance and Leslie Bricusse’s unforgettable score.

Indulge in Roald Dahl’s imaginings by stepping into the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, and meet the world’s most unusual candy maker – Willy

Wonka.

This intimate screening will take place at the sweet-smelling ice cream parlour on Tuesday, September 22, and includes a free treat from the menu, making this classic screening even sweeter.

The film has a PG certificate and tickets, including the sweet treat, are £10.

There’s something strange in the neighbourhood the following Friday, (September 25) when the seminal slime based comedy Ghostbusters is screened in Eastleigh’s Fire Station.

The fire station is transforming into Spengler, Venkman, Stantz and Zeddemore’s ghostbusting base for the evening.

Bring your jumpsuits and proton packs, and settle in for a once-in-a-lifetime film experience. Just remember, don’t cross the streams...

Ghostbusters has a PG certificate and will be screened at 6pm and 9pm. Tickets are £10.

Eastleigh becomes a haven for swaggering pirates the following day, September 26, at a full day of family fun based around the Aardman Animation’s film The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!

Join other families for a swashbuckling family pirate trail through Eastleigh.

Start off at the Swan Centre for a pirate makeover before stepping in front of the green-screen to be captured on camera, ready to be part of a pirate adventure.

Next, head to Eastleigh’s creative hub, The Sorting Office art and design studios, and make essential pirate accessories.

Then follow the treasure trail to The Point for a special screening of Aardman Animation’s hilarious animated feature film The Pirates! In An Adventure with Scientists!

The film features an amazing voice cast including Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant, Jeremy Piven, Lenny Henry and Brian Blessed.

And to top it all off – the best pirate costume on the day will win a bag of seafaring swag!

The day of fun kicks off with the trail from 10.30am. The film starts at 2pm and is a certificate U.

Tickets are £6.50 for adults, £5 concessions and £4 for children.

To find out more about Eastleigh Film Festival, or to book tickets for the films, please call the box office on 02380 652333, or visit eastleighfilmfestival.com.