THE Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Dee Sinclair has given this year’s Oxford’s Merry Matinees Festival her full support.

The annual three-day film festival for senior citizens, staged at the Phoenix Picturehouse in Walton Street, Jericho, is screening three classic book adaptations this year – The Life of Pi, The Great Gatsby and Les Miserables.

Mrs Sinclair said: “I am delighted to be able to support this great initiative.

“I’d like to encourage Oxford’s senior citizens to come along to the Oxford Mail senior citizens’ film festival next week. This annual event is a fun way to get into the festive spirit, watch a great film and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere. Don’t miss out!”

The festival kicks off on Monday at 11am with critically acclaimed The Life of Pi.

Tuesday’s film is this year’s glorious remake of The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Carey Mulligan.

And on Wednesday, the much-loved festival closes with Les Miserables, which stars Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman and includes a certain song made famous by Susan Boyle (Dreamed a Dream in case you were wondering).

And if the films alone aren’t enough to tempt you, there’ll be free tea, coffee, mince pies and a whole host of daily prizes from bottles of Champagne to chocolates and Sainsbury’s gift vouchers.

Cinema manager Kenny Gold said: “There are only a few days to go now and we can’t wait. It’s always one of the highlights in our festive calendar.”

  • For more information, call Jeremy Smith on 01865 425435 or the Phoenix Picturehouse on 0871 902 5736. Tickets cannot be booked advance. Entry is with a copy of that day’s Mail, price 65p (we’ll have plenty on sale in the foyer).