HALLOWEEN'S a long time off, but those who need a fix of blood, guts and gore can have just that – as part of Newcastle’s International Film Festival. The inaugural festival, which runs from March 29 to April 1, will feature a whole host of events at various venues around the city, from premiere screenings to an awards ceremony. And on 30 March Friday night will become Fright Night, with two screenings in one evening at The Biscuit Factory.

A showing of Doomsday, the futuristic horror classic from North-East director Neil Marshall will get the evening underway and will be followed by a Q&A with actor Sean Pertwee – who can currently be seen in the hit TV series Gotham – and actor/director Craig Conway. And then at 11pm The Night of the Living Dead will come to the city, with a digitally remastered version of the cult classic which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Despite being released in 1968, the movie continues to shock and was seen as ground-breaking for the genre.

Guests will start the night with a Zombie cocktail and some bloody popcorn, and there's a prize for the best dressed zombie.

The screenings are just two of a whole host of events taking place over the Easter weekend, including the first ever Victorem awards, recognising big screen excellence across a range of categories.

The festival is the brainchild of North-East businesswoman Jacqui Miller-Charlton MBE, who not only wants to showcase the region to filmmakers, but also to help establish a viable film industry in the area. “Digital production technologies make it far easier to produce films set almost anywhere in the world,” she says. "We need to make it a priority to offer world class facilities and staff at cost-effective prices tin the North.”

Tickets for the Doomsday screening are £35 plus booking fee, £30 for students. Night of the Living Dead tickets are £20 plus a booking fee. A ticket for both events is £50 plus booking fee. They can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/film-north-east-limited-15985392911