Living in Brighton, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to watching films of various types with several chain owned multiplexes across the city and the wonderful Duke of Yorks and Dukes @ Komedia to choose from. However the sense of occasion which is so easy to access here in the City, is not something nearby towns and villages can take for granted. The recent news that the people hoping to set up a permanent 3 screen cinema in Lewes have been granted planning permission is fantastic news for residents of Lewes and surrounding villages. The same is true for the news that Burgess Hill residents will shortly be able to enjoy a refurbished building thanks to decisions taken by Mid Sussex District Council who own the site. They have also granted a new 5 year lease to the current operator who had previously been working on a one year renewable lease which must have been a disincentive to make any meaningful investment to the equipment and internal fixtures. Beyond these three conurbations there are chain cinemas operating in some of the bigger towns such as Hastings, Eastbourne and Crawley. However there are also many Independent Cinemas operating on a basis which varies from once a month shows through to a daily film. The ICO or Independent Cinema Office is a body that promotes these organisations, providing a website with details from all of the Cinema Operators. It is well worth checking out if you are wanting to watch a film, but not wanting the experience of a large chain with its predictable but bland culture. There is an extensive range of such organisations across the UK. The website also offers advice to people wanting to set up their own film festival from scratch.