This year sees the 23rd Festival of Fantastic Films held at Manchester Conference Centre on Sackville Street 26th to 28th October. This low key but highly enjoyable event which celebrates all things fantastic, be it horror, sci-fi or cult, has been attracting fans and media guests alike, but has always managed to stay under the radar for most and keep its family run atmosphere.

This years guests (subject to commitments, of course) include:

LINNEA QUIGLEY – a scream queen who should need no introduction to Starburst readers.

DERREN NESBITT – actor, writer and director, probably best know from his role as SS Major von Hapen in Where Eagles Dare but whose genre outings include the ‘70s version of BURKE & HARE and BEHEMOTH THE SEA MONSTER. 

MICHAEL ARMSTRONG – a true British genre legend, who directed MARK OF THE DEVIL and THE HAUNTED HOUSE OF HORROR wrote a raft of British classics including the recently re-released HOUSE OF LONG SHADOWS.

A rare reunion of three of the Midwich Cuckoos, namely MARTIN STEPHENS and twins TERI & LESLEY SCOBLE. How often do you think the kids from VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED get together?

MARY MAUDE – star of THE CRUCIBLE OF TERROR, LA RESIDENCIA and festival regular Norman J. Warren’s TERROR. 

Films which are expected to be screened include INBRED, THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN in its new restored version and films relevant to the guests, as well as forgotten cheesy classics.

There will be a two day film fair, signings and the annual auction with RAMSEY CAMPBELL at the gavel.

For a taste of previous festivals and the calibre of past guests, check out this video: 

Tickets for the weekend are just £70, (with individual day tickets available, hotel room extra) for more info head to the festival website.

See you at the bar!