Expect buzz and big names: SCENE returns to Manchester from 20–27 August with premieres, panels, parties and plenty of queer joy, opening with a Traitors-themed night and fundraising tickets from £5 , a festival that’s part celebration, part discovery and wholly Manchester.

  • Biggest line-up: Eight days of screenings, Q&As and parties across multiple venues, with premieres and classic screenings.
  • Star power: Events featuring Russell T Davies, Alice Oseman and cast panels from The Traitors and Disney+’s Rivals.
  • Party vibes: The Traitors opening bash, an Ab Fab drag A‑Thon, Hedwig anniversary and live comedy nights , fun, loud and theatrical.
  • Accessible & charitable: Many free events, tickets from £5, and profits donated to Manchester Village Pride charities.
  • Local feel: Events at HOME, New Century Hall, Aviva Studios and Kampus , a citywide festival atmosphere with outdoor cinema and exhibitions.

A Traitors-themed opener sets the tone

SCENE kicks off with a Traitors panel and a themed party, so expect dramatic stories and themed cocktails to match. According to festival notes, stars from series one and four will appear in conversation, moderated by TV critic Scott Bryan. That mix of glossy TV gossip and a club‑style launch party says a lot about SCENE’s vibe: part critical celebration, part proper knees‑up. If you want to be there, book early , the opening night is designed to sell out.

Russell T Davies, It’s A Sin and a ballet preview

One of this year’s headline moments is a full‑series screening and anniversary panel for It’s A Sin, with Russell T Davies involved and a special preview of the ballet adaptation due to debut at Aviva Studios next year. The festival is leaning into both nostalgia and ambition here, honouring a show that helped reshape queer drama while teasing a bold new stage adaptation. For viewers, it’s a rare chance to see the series collectively and hear creators reflect on its legacy.

From Heartstopper chats to Rivals behind‑the‑scenes

SCENE isn’t just about older hits; it’s also giving space to current youthful voices. Alice Oseman will take part in an intimate in‑conversation event about Heartstopper and its impact, while Disney+’s Rivals gets a behind‑the‑scenes slot with cast and producers. That range , from YA warmth to glossy streaming dramas , helps the festival feel both nostalgic and very now. If you’re picking events, choose balance: one panel for context, one screening for pure enjoyment.

Drag, comedy and comfy crowd‑pleasers

Expect joyful, performative nights: an Absolutely Fabulous drag A‑Thon fronted by Manchester favourites, a 25th anniversary tribute to Hedwig and Stop! That! Train! with RuPaul’s drag comedy on the big screen. The programme also includes An Altogether Different Comedy Night and a Caroline Aherne tribute, so there’s comedy threaded through the whole week. These are the events to bring friends to , they’re loud, accessible and designed for a weekend out rather than a lecture hall.

Films, shorts and outdoor screenings for discovery

Beyond big names, SCENE houses premieres , from Pedro Almodóvar’s latest feature to Cannes winners and emerging queer shorts , plus a free outdoor cinema and a photography exhibition at Kampus. The festival is deliberately curated to surface new voices while giving festivalgoers familiar names as anchors. If you love discovering directors early, check the shorts showcase and the Northern shorts programmes for fresh talent and small, sharp stories.

Tickets, venues and why Manchester matters

Events will take place across HOME, New Century Hall, Aviva Studios, Kampus and more, making the festival a citywide experience. Tickets start at £5 and many events are free, with all profits donated to Manchester Village Pride charities. CityCo and local partners have helped scale the festival quickly; organisers say it’s grown audience numbers year on year. Practically, plan transport between venues and pick no‑more‑than two must‑see events per day to avoid festival fatigue.

It's the sort of festival that mixes thoughtful panels with riotous nights out , and gives back while it celebrates.

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