Discover SCENE: Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival

Every August, Manchester's cultural calendar builds towards Pride, and SCENE Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival is a great starting point for the celebrations.

Returning for its third year, SCENE brings together an exciting programme of LGBTQ+ film, television, documentaries, special events and live discussions across some of Manchester's most iconic venues. From exclusive premieres and celebrity guests to cult classics and emerging talent, the festival celebrates queer storytelling in all its forms.

What is SCENE Manchester?

SCENE Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV Festival showcases stories from across the LGBTQ+ community, bringing together filmmakers, performers, writers and audiences from Greater Manchester and beyond.

Alongside screenings, visitors can enjoy Q&As, panel discussions, live events, outdoor cinema experiences and festival parties, making SCENE one of the UK's most exciting LGBTQ+ cultural festivals.

Highlights of SCENE 2026

This year's festival opens with a packed programme of preview screenings, including Pedro Almodóvar's latest film Bitter Christmas and Cannes Queer Palm winner Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.

Television fans can look forward to special events celebrating some of the biggest shows of recent years, including The Traitors, Heartstopper, Rivals, Tip Toe, It's A Sin and I Kissed A Girl. Many events feature cast members, creators and industry guests sharing behind-the-scenes insights.

The festival also shines a spotlight on emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers, with new feature films, short film showcases and free screenings offering the chance to discover the next generation of queer storytelling talent.

Manchester Filmmakers and New Talent

Supporting new voices remains a core part of SCENE. The festival's Northern Shorts Showcase highlights LGBTQ+ filmmaking talent from across the North, while The Pink Screening Room provides an accessible platform for independent, experimental and debut work.

Manchester-made productions also feature prominently throughout the programme, including special premieres and screenings celebrating local creatives and stories connected to the city.

Outdoor Screenings, Parties and Pride Fringe Events

SCENE extends beyond cinemas with a programme of outdoor screenings, exhibitions and Pride Fringe events across Manchester city centre.

Festival-goers can enjoy free films on First Street's outdoor screen, interactive screenings, drag-led events, live performances and community celebrations in the lead-up to Manchester Pride.

The much-loved annual screening of The Wizard of Oz returns alongside special events exploring the film's lasting significance within LGBTQ+ culture.

Why Visit SCENE?

SCENE is more than a film festival. It is a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, creativity and community, bringing together major international premieres, beloved classics and new voices in one of the UK's most welcoming cities.

Whether you're a dedicated film fan, passionate about television, or planning a visit to Manchester during Pride season, SCENE offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class LGBTQ+ storytelling while exploring the city's thriving cultural scene.