Manchester’s LGBTQ+ film and TV festival SCENE will return for its third edition from August 20 to 27, 2026, with its largest line-up to date. The eight-day programme features a special Traitors-themed opening party and panel, alongside tributes to Caroline Aherne and Absolutely Fabulous, and appearances from Russell T Davies and Alice Oseman.
Traitors-Themed Opening and It's A Sin Anniversary
The festival kicks off with a panel discussion on the hit BBC series The Traitors, moderated by TV critic and author Scott Bryan. Panelists include Maddy and Wilf from series 1 and Amanda from series 4, with more guests to be announced. The event will be followed by a Traitors-style opening party with themed cocktails.
A special fifth anniversary screening and panel of Russell T Davies’ critically-acclaimed series It’s A Sin will take place, along with a preview of the upcoming ballet adaptation set to debut at Aviva Studios next year. Davies and executive producer Nicola Shindler will also appear to discuss the Channel 4 series Tip Toe, starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey.
Other Highlights: Rivals, Aherne Tribute, and Film Premieres
An in-conversation event with Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman will reflect on the impact of the book series and its Netflix adaptation. A drag-inspired Absolutely Fabulous night starring Manchester drag artists Anna Phylactic and Banksie, a tribute to comedy icon Caroline Aherne, and a 25th anniversary celebration of Hedwig and the Angry Inch are also on the schedule.
SCENE offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Disney+ series Rivals with cast members Gary Lamont and Hubert Burton and executive producer Alexander Lamb. The festival also features a return of Channel 4’s An Altogether Different Comedy Night with a special line-up, and a celebration of BBC dating shows I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl hosted by Charley Marlowe.
Film premieres include Pedro Almodóvar's Bitter Christmas, Jane Schoenbrun's Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan’s Chatlines, and Adam Shankman’s drag comedy Stop! That! Train! starring RuPaul. Additional events include a St Trinian’s party screening, live podcasts, a free outdoor photography exhibition at Kampus, and free outdoor cinema at First Street.
Events will be held at venues including HOME, New Century Hall, Cultplex, Kampus, Treehouse Hotel, Aviva Studios, Vada Vada, Cruz 101, and more. Tickets start from £5, with many free events. Profits from ticket sales and Skiddle booking fees will be donated to Manchester Village Pride Charities.
Gary James Williams, Head of Events at CityCo and producer of SCENE, said: “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 shows and stories they already 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 a bucket of popcorn.”
