SCENE Festival Returns to Manchester for 2026
SCENE Festival is set to return to Manchester for its third year, bringing a programme of film, television and live events to venues across the city. Taking place from Thursday 20 August to Thursday 27 August 2026, the festival once again positions Manchester as a leading destination for screen culture and inclusive storytelling.
A Diverse Programme of Film, TV and Live Events:
Audiences can expect a varied line-up spanning brand-new features, short films, documentaries, and much-loved classic film and TV screenings. Alongside the on-screen programme, SCENE will host a dynamic series of panels, talks, parties and special events, offering visitors the chance to engage with creators, industry voices and fellow film fans.
Festival Highlights
Head over to the website for more information. This year's highlights include, but are not limited to, the following:
Russell T Davies, Tip Toe and It’s A Sin
One of the festival’s biggest events will see renowned writer Russell T Davies and producer Nicola Shindler take to the stage to discuss their new drama Tip Toe. The event will also celebrate the fifth anniversary of the acclaimed series It’s A Sin, offering audiences a chance to revisit one of the most important LGBTQ+ television dramas of recent years.
An Audience with Alice Oseman
Fans of Heartstopper will have the opportunity to hear directly from creator Alice Oseman. In a special in-conversation event, Oseman will reflect on the success of the books and television series, and the impact they have had on LGBTQ+ communities around the world.
Celebrating Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Television
SCENE will shine a spotlight on some of television’s most talked-about LGBTQ+ programmes. Highlights include an exclusive look behind the scenes of Disney+ hit Rivals, as well as a special celebration of BBC dating shows I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl, featuring familiar faces from both series.
Exclusive Screenings of New Queer Cinema
This year’s programme features a host of highly anticipated films, including Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas, Jane Schoenbrun’s Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex and the Manchester-made closing night film Chatlines. These screenings showcase some of the most exciting voices in contemporary queer cinema.
A City-Wide Celebration of Queer Culture
Beyond film and television, SCENE offers a packed programme of comedy, documentaries, exhibitions, parties and free events across Manchester. Highlights include Channel 4’s An Altogether Different Comedy Night, documentary screenings celebrating influential cultural figures, and a range of short film showcases from emerging and established LGBTQ+ filmmakers.
View the full brochure here.
Screenings Across Manchester’s Iconic Venues
Screenings and events will take place in venues across Manchester, from outdoor spaces to independent cinemas and unique cultural locations. Festivalgoers can experience screenings at iconic venues including New Century Hall, HOME, Cinema City, and Aviva Studios, home of Factory International.
Part of Manchester Pride Fringe Celebrations
SCENE is also proud to be an official Fringe Partner of Manchester Village Pride, aligning with the city’s celebrations over the August Bank Holiday weekend. As part of the Fringe programme, the festival will contribute to a wider calendar of LGBTQ+ cultural events taking place across Manchester, led by the community and centred around the Village.
Plan Your Visit
With its mix of film, culture and community, SCENE offers visitors a unique way to experience Manchester during one of its most exciting weekends of the year. Visitors are encouraged to sign up to the festival mailing list for the latest announcements, programme updates and ticket releases.
