FILM fans will be able to watch a maritime-themed movie on a giant outdoor screen in Weymouth.

It’s one of the exciting events lined up for the third Spirit of the Sea, Weymouth and Portland’s maritime festival, which runs from July 3 to 16.

The people behind the Purbeck Film Festival have teamed up with the Nothe Fort to present the Russell Crowe epic Master and Commander on a big screen at the historic venue.

The Oscar-winning 2003 film is set during the Napoleonic Wars and tells the story of a British naval captain and his pursuit of a French warship around South America.

Chairman of the Purbeck Film Festival Andrea Etherington said: “We are delighted to be taking part in the Spirit of the Sea festival. “Outdoor screenings are a great deal of fun and the atmosphere is always very exciting – we are delighted to be working with Nothe Fort.”

Weymouth is also the appropriate setting for a staging of the world premiere of a Black Death-themed theatre production. Shanty Theatre’s A Rat’s Tail will be shown at the Old Town Hall during the festival fortnight.

Weymouth was the entry port for the Black Death into England in 1348.

Other events associated with Spirit of the Sea include MarineEx at Osprey Quay, the Dorset Sea Food Festival around Weymouth Harbour, the International Maritime Modelling Festival and a week of bands playing on a stage on Weymouth sands in Beach Live. The Blue Gym initiative will also offer lots of opportunities to try out watersports such as windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

Spirit of the Sea chairman Jeremy Pope said: “There’s over 50 events this year, each one run by a different organisation which has put a lot of effort into putting it together.”

* The 12A film Master and Commander will be shown at the Nothe Fort at 9pm on Friday July 9. Tickets priced £6 for adults and £5 for children are available at the gate on the day only. Gates open at 7.30pm. Call 01305 766626.

For more information about Spirit of the Sea call 01305 785747 or visit spiritofthesea.org.uk