Irish film festival at the tricycle

This Sunday sees stars including Ray Winstone, Jude Law, and John Hannah, heading for the launch of London's first Irish Film Festival. Mick Hannigan, director of the Cork International Film Festival, has been brought in to ensure that the 18 feature films, six documentaries and 28 short films being shown accurately reflect the diversity of Irish work, celebrating classic films and providing a platform for fresh talent, as well as panel discussions with some of the film-makers. The Gala opening of Liam McGrath's documentary Francis Barrett - Southpaw (Sun 7.45pm) is sure to draw the crowds, but later there are British premieres of Titanic Town (above) with Julie Walters and Ciaran Hinds; the romantic drama Night Train, starring John Hurt and Brenda Blethyn, and films featuring Sean Hughes and Ardal O'Hanlon. The festival closes with Sweety Barrett, with Brendan Gleeson playing the title role.

Tricycle Cinema, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 (0171-328 1000) tomorrow to 28 Feb, festival pass pounds 20, tickets pounds 4

Beatrice Hodgkin