Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Film + TV Festival SCENE Unveils Star-Studded 2026 Programme

SCENE: Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ Film and TV Festival has unveiled its programme for 2026, bringing together some of the biggest names in television, film and queer culture for eight days of screenings, panels, comedy, parties and premieres across Manchester from 20th – 27th August.

The third edition of the festival, funded by Manchester Accommodation BID, returns as an official Manchester Village Pride Fringe partner with its most ambitious programme to date, including:

• Exclusive appearances from Russell T Davies and Nicola Shindler celebrating the year’s most talked-about new drama, Tip Toe, and revisiting the landmark series It’s A Sin marking the series’ 5th anniversary ahead of the forthcoming Rambert and Factory International stage adaptation premieres at Aviva Studios in Manchester 
• An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Disney+’s Rivals with cast members Gary Lamont and Hubert Burton alongside executive producer Alexander Lamb
• An intimate in-conversation with Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman, reflecting on the profound impact the books and series have had on the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide 
• A celebration of BBC’s ground-breaking series I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl hosted by Charley Marlowe, joined by a line-up of iconic stars from across both series 
• Channel 4’s An Altogether Different Comedy Night returns with bold voices, unique perspectives and a line-up packed with talent 
• Preview screenings of Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas, Jane Schoenbrun’s Cannes Queer Palm-winning Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex, Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan’s Closing Night film Chatlines – plus a special screening of Adam Shankman’s wildly anticipated drag comedy Stop! That! Train!
• Documentaries programmed across the week celebrating Patrick Wolf, Barbara Hammer and NOFX, plus the announcement of Iris Prize Best British Short nominees, SCENE’s own Northern shorts programme and guest programmers TITE, Aks, GASP!, Queer Filmmakers Network and IAP:MCR
• Plus dozens more screenings, panels, parties, exhibitions and free events taking place across the city throughout the festival week, including an exciting Opening Event at Aviva Studios, to be announced soon!

On this year’s stellar line-up, Gary James Williams, Head of Events at CityCo (producers of SCENE and delivery partners of Manchester Accommodation BID), says:

“We’re thrilled that SCENE is back for a third edition, and after doubling our audience last year, the festival is going from strength to strength with thousands of fans from all over the UK and across the world coming to Manchester for the ultimate celebration of queer screen culture. 

We’ve always wanted SCENE to be a festival where audiences can discover their next favourite film alongside celebrating the stories they already know and love. This year’s programme is our biggest and most ambitious yet – from Almodóvar to Ab Fab, Barbara Hammer to I Kissed A Girl, old classics, new stories, shorts, docs, live comedy, dance shows, parties and exhibitions there’s something for everyone. 

Whether you’re coming just for the festival or extending your visit to Manchester ahead of our city’s Pride celebrations, we’re welcoming artists, filmmakers, writers, producers, programmers and importantly amazing audiences with open arms and buckets of popcorn”

TV Highlights

The best of TV, loved by the gays, theys and allies! SCENE will celebrate the hottest new shows of the past year and revisit queer fan favourites we all can’t stop talking about, bringing audiences closer to the creators and stars behind them. Featuring special screenings, exclusive panel discussions and behind-the-scenes access, this year’s TV strand spans Tip Toe, It’s A Sin, Heartstopper, Rivals, I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl.

Film Highlights

From Almodóvar to Araki, Schoenbrun to the makers of RuPaul’s Drag Race, SCENE is set to celebrate the full spectrum of queer cinema, showcasing acclaimed new films, beloved classics, groundbreaking documentaries and standout shorts. This year’s line-up includes Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas, Elliot Tuttle’s Blue Film, Jane Schoenbrun’s Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex, John Early’s feature debut Maddie’s Secret, RuPaul-led drag extravaganza Stop! That! Train!, and the return of Manchester filmmakers Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan with Chatlines. The film strand also features a 10 Year anniversary screening of Oscar winning Moonlight and a special screening of Theo and Hugo: Paris 05:59, presented by festival partner SCRUFF. SCENE’s New Narratives strand also returns, showcasing bold new LGBTQIA+ voices from around the world. Screen Manchester is a key festival partner, sponsoring this year’s Closing Night Films and SCENE Shorts.

Comedy, Culture & Live Events

Beyond the screen, SCENE takes over the city with comedy, live performance and unforgettable events. Channel 4’s An Altogether Different Comedy Night returns alongside celebrations of Absolutely Fabulous, a tribute night to comedy icon Caroline Aherne, and the 25th anniversary of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Audiences can also enjoy a St Trinian’s party screening, the fan-favourite free outdoor cinema at First Street, Dragged to the Movies – a free outdoor photography exhibition at KAMPUS – and a packed programme of drag, music, live podcasts and interactive events throughout the festival week.

Documentary, Shorts & New Voices

The finest in queer non-fiction storytelling – documentaries, short films and international showcases shine a spotlight on extraordinary real-life stories and the next generation of queer filmmakers. The new SCENE Docs strand includes documentaries celebrating Patrick Wolf, pioneering filmmaker Barbara Hammer, punk legends NOFX and the story behind William Friedkin’s Cruising, while SCENE Queer Northern Shorts programme returns alongside exclusive announcement of Iris Prize Best British Short nominees. International partnerships with Aks International Minorities Festival and Ireland’s TRANS IMAGE / TRANS EXPERIENCE Festival bring bold new films, conversations and perspectives to Manchester, championing emerging LGBTQIA+ storytellers from across the UK and around the world.

SCENE is proud to work with an incredible network of programming partners whose expertise, creativity and collaboration help shape the festival each year. The 2026 programme has been developed in partnership with HOME, Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, TITE (Trans Image, Trans Experience) Festival, Aks International Minorities Festival, Queer Filmmakers Network, Screen Manchester and SCRUFF, alongside venue partners New Century Hall, Treehouse Hotel and Campfield.

Tickets will start from just £5.00, with many events free of charge. Profits from ticket sales, along with booking fees from the festival’s ticketing partner Skiddle, will be donated to Manchester Village Pride LGBTQ+ Charities. 

SCENE Festival is funded and delivered on behalf of Manchester Accommodation BID, a collective of city hotels and accommodation providers. 

Tickets & full programme: www.scenefestival.com