The countdown for the third St Albans Film Festival is on - with many space-themed events taking place in and around the city.

Saturday May 2 has been designated Alien Day and, following the huge popularity of last year’s event, Westminster Lodge is once again holding its swim-in cinema - installing state-of-the-art equipment to screen both Monsters vs Aliens in the afternoon for children, and Alien Resurrection in the evening for adults.

Last year’s swim-in cinema, with inflatable loungers to sit on and a drink as part of the ticket price, sold out within days of the tickets going on sale, and the same demand for tickets is predicted again this year.

James Tovey of Westminster Lodge said: “We love to be able to offer something completely different to St Albans residents and their families and are excited to once again be supporting the film festival as it has become an important annual cultural event for the city.

“We are also working closely with the Abbey Theatre this year and anyone that purchases a ticket through Westminster Lodge will be entitled to free access to the art event at the theatre.”

Tickets are available directly from Westminster Lodge.

The swim-in cinema is just one of around 30 screenings, workshops and film-related events happening over the weekend.

More information on the opening film on Friday May 1 will be announced soon, and the Town Hall in the centre of the city will be screening the 77 short film finalists from all over the world, throughout Saturday, before the winners are announced on Sunday at a closing ceremony in a central location.

Festival director Leoni Kibbey added: “This year’s programme will be available any day now, and tickets will be going on sale next week.

“We once again have the support of SA Law, Blanco and the University of Hertfordshire, as well as many local organisations who are holding their own events as part of the festival.”