WELLINGTON’S second annual film festival was an “overwhelming success”, according to organisers, who are already busy working on next year’s event.

Cllr Keith Wheatley, who is stepping down as chair of the Wellington Film Festival, said: “The overwhelming success and popularity of the screenings and events this time made it an easy decision to go for a third festival.

“We could have sold twice as many tickets for some of our shows and the free events such as the video projections on the United Reform Church and Dinosaur Sunday in the Park were unbelievably well-supported.

“What made the festival relatively easy to run now that it has become so recognised and welcomed in the community is the incredible amount of help and support we had from organisations, businesses and individuals in the town. We thank them all.”

The recent festival was made possible by funding from Wellington Town Council, which footed most of the bill, as well as support from Somerset Council and Carly Press.

Cllr Wheatley said in light of Somerset Council’s precarious financial situation, the festival committee would be exploring alternative funding streams going forward.

He said: “It is hard to see a near-bankrupt Somerset Council funding us in 18 months’ time.”