Vanishing bees film to be screened at Shrewsbury's Darwin Festival

The Vanishing of the Bees will be shown at the Hive Music and Media Centre on February 22 at 2.30pm as part of the town's annual festival celebrating its most famous son Charles Darwin.

The screening will be hosted by Shrewsbury Film Society and has been sponsored by the Mid-Counties Co-operative's Plan Bee campaign.

It is part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the plight of bees and to take steps to protect colonies.

Following the film there will be further activities at the centre, running between 3.30pm and 5pm. Brian Goodwin from Shropshire Beekeepers' Association will hold an open session on the practical steps that everyone can take to help protect bees.

There will be hands-on activities, resources, advice and demonstrations on bee-keeping and wildlife gardening.

Habib Malik-Mansell, spokesman for the Hive, said the day of events should have plenty of interest to people who want to learn more about the natural world and the plight and the bumblebee.

"Bees are a vital and important part of the natural world – and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the other organisations involved, to bring this engaging documentary to the big screen," he said.

The film will start at 2.30pm. For more information call the Hive on (01743) 234970 or visit www.hiveonline.org.uk

By Chris Burn