YORK enjoyed a boost to its economy of more than £423,000 as a result of hosting 2014's Aesthetica Short Film Festival, according to organisers of the event.

The annual festival, which recently received BAFTA accreditation, saw revenues increase by 95 per cent on last year, with an average spend of £32.95 for day visitors and £80.36 for weekend visitors.

Organised by York-based Aesthetica magazine, the film festival saw total admissions for 2014 reach 18,000, more than 2,000 above last year, as the event worked alongside 17 venues and more than 25 partners and sponsors in the city.

Kate McMullen, head of tourism agency Visit York, said: "As a prominent international festival, ASFF is a great ambassador for film culture in the North of England and across the UK.

"During the festival the city was alive with debate, with visitors coming from across Britain and Europe to experience it.

"One of the flagship events in York’s annual calendar, we’re confident BAFTA Qualifying ASFF is now one of the top three film festivals in the UK, alongside London and Edinburgh."

Topics at this year’s festival, which ran from November 6 to 9, ranged from film criticism with Anna Smith, who writes for the Guardian, Time Out and Empire, to the crossover between film and gaming with BAFTA Cymru award-winner Cecil Charles, managing director of Revolution Software.

Organisers of the festival say they also set out to offer opportunities for budding practitioners and students to develop and hone skills critical to their future career or further study. Masterclass attendees in total were 2,300, of which 1,700 were students from universities, colleges and schools in London, Manchester, Leeds, Norwich, Sheffield, York and Edinburgh.

Cherie Federico, festival director, said: "At ASFF we champion films that demonstrate innovation and excellence, and through bold programming we expand audience choice for independent cinema in York, particularly with our new fashion film strand sponsored by London College of Fashion.

"In hosting industry events we have provided fantastic opportunities for filmmakers and film fans to meet those working in the sector. Through ASFF we champion York as a leading city of culture, and are excited to develop our plans for next year, which will be the festival’s fifth anniversary."