Ealing - the home to the annual music and comedy festivals - is to get a brand new one celebrating the borough's rich but largely unknown cultural history.

The Ealing Music and Film Valentine Festival is being organised by a group of determined locals who believe Ealing's heritage should be promoted more.

The idea was first raised two years ago at a meeting about the future of Ealing's centre. Local MP Angie Bray backed the plans and says it's a really positive step:

''We now have a committee full of local talent who have put together a brilliant programme of music and film for the Festival, which will be kicking off on Valentine’s night. We are being generously supported by local businesses and the University of West London. I hope it will prove a great success and become a big annual event for Ealing.”

One of the organisers, Patrick Chapman, says: ''The level of enthusiasm already generated for the Festival has shown we are not alone. This will be a truly local festival but in the long run one of far wider significance.''

Opening with a Gala Reception on February 14th 2013 this action-packed long weekend will feature a wealth of musical and film talent.

Did you know?

Margot Fonteyn, Sid James, Julian Clary and Pete Townsend all lived in Ealing.

Dusty Springfield and Freddie Mercury went to Ealing Art College

Ealing is home to the English Chamber Orchestra

Gustav Holt worked and died here

The Royal Bookbiders, Blissets are in Ealing

Author of Billy Bunter, Frank Richards lived in a house where Ealing Broadway Centre now stands

Sir Micheal Balcon laid the foundations for the British film industry establishing Ealing Studios.

15th November 2012