SCENE Festival kicks off ahead of 2026 Manchester Village Pride
This year's festival promises an impressive line-up of premieres, panels, and events across various venues in the city
Manchester is set to host the third edition of its SCENE Festival, an LGBTQIA+ Film and TV festival, from 20th to 27th August.
This year's festival promises an impressive line-up of 60 events, which include premieres, panels, and events across various venues in the city, attracting renowned names from television, film, and queer culture.
'Ultimately, it's for everybody'
This all comes as the city's Pride celebrations have already kicked off, as part of a new fringe festival, leading up to next week’s main event, featuring everything from film and TV festivals to comedy, cabaret and club nights.
Gary James Williams, Head of Events at CityCo, and the Lead Programmer for SCENE, told Hits Radio Pride: "Atmosphere is the big thing - the festival is telling LGBT+ stories, and sharing ones that our community also enjoy.
"Ultimately, it's for everybody, as it's about togetherness and having a great time.
"We, in Manchester, have always had a big Pride celebration, so, SCENE is one of many events making a reason for people to extend their visit to the city, as we approach the run-up to the Bank Holiday itself.
"We've got a real buy-in from lots of great people who want to come and celebrate their new film or TV programme.
"And this is our third edition, now, and it's just grown and grown, which is really great to see, whilst also celebrating local film-makers and creatives.
"It's been a super exciting time behind-the-scenes, I can tell you!"
Those behind SCENE have been working very closely with the team at Manchester Village Pride - which has brought the event back under the ownership of the LGBTQ+ community.
As he explained: "It's been a bit of a strange year, really, but it's going to be a really special one in 2026.
"Almost the same, but different.
"All of our ticket profits get donated to the same charities Manchester Village Pride is also raising money for, so every sale really does make a difference, too.
"And we're hoping to smash last year's target of £10,000!"
'The Traitors launch event is exactly what SCENE is all about'
Fans of the hit TV show The Traitors can relive all the drama at a special event hosted by TV journalist Scott Bryan.
Some of the most memorable cast members from the series, including Linda Rands, Amanda Collier, Fiona Hughes, Wilf Webster and Maddy Smedley, will be sharing their inside stories.
He says he's looking forward to it: "It's brilliant!
"I think The Traitors launch event is a big example of what we've been talking about.
"It's not a queer show necessarily, but it has great LGBT+ representation, big people who've made a mark on it, and it's loved by everybody.
"I mean, who can forget Fiona from Series 4, and Amanda, who came out not as a Traitor - but as a lesbian!
"There's going to be a huge party after featuring songs from the show, but with a bit of a donk on it"
"And we love Scott Bryan, who's a huge part of SCENE.
"He'll be there, doing a talk about his new book and queer telly, too."
Some of this year's highlights
Highlights of the programme include exclusive appearances and panels featuring acclaimed writer Russell T Davies and his new drama, Tip Toe, and a special retrospective on his award-winning series It’s A Sin, marking its 5th anniversary.
The festival also offers a chance to explore behind-the-scenes with Disney+’s Rivals, attended by cast members Gary Lamont and Hubert Burton, alongside executive producer Alexander Lamb.
Fans of the popular series Heartstopper can look forward to an in-conversation session with creator Alice Oseman, discussing the impact of the series on the global LGBTQIA+ community.
There will also be a celebration for the BBC’s series I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl, hosted by Charley Marlowe with appearances from stars across both series.
Film enthusiasts can anticipate preview screenings of Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas, Jane Schoenbrun’s Cannes Queer Palm-winner Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, and a feature debut from John Early called Maddie’s Secret, among others.
Beyond the screen, SCENE Festival will take over the city with comedy shows including Channel 4’s An Altogether Different Comedy Night, an Absolutely Fabulous tribute, and commemorations of Hedwig and the Angry Inch's 25th anniversary.
The documentary section of the festival will include films focusing on music icons Patrick Wolf and punk legends NOFX, and contributions from emerging talent curated by international festivals.