The weekend line-up for this year’s Festival of Fantastic Films has been unveiled. Held in Manchester from Friday, October 20th to Sunday, October 22nd, the much-loved event hosts special guests and unique screenings in a very friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

Amongst the film screenings and Q&As, there are two book launches this year. The first is literary legend Ramsey Campbell’s personal tribute to the comedy troupe The Three Stooges, Six Stooges and Counting. As well as selling and signing the book, Ramsey will be talking about his love of the knockabout legends, and there will be a (sadly 2D) screening of the short Spooks! Also launching is Headpress Publishing’s eagerly awaited look at Nigel Kneale’s TV series, Beasts. Written by Andrew Screen, The Book of Beasts is a comprehensive overview of the much-loved 1976 anthology series. Andrew will be in attendance to sign copies.

Guests of honour this year include Andy Nyman, co-writer of Ghost Stories and Madeline Smith, the Hammer legend who also appeared in Live and Let Die, as well as working with Frankie Howerd and The Two Ronnies. Ghostwatch writer Stephen Volk, Jenny Runacre, star of The Final Programme and Jublilee, and TV veteran Jane Wymark (daughter of actor Patrick Wymark), who appears in the Beasts episode Baby. Also returning once more will be the ever-charming David McGillivray.

Screening over the weekend will be a varied mix of classic, obscure, and brand-new movies. Tom Lee Rutter’s The Pocket Film of Superstitions has its northern debut, and there’s a special screening of the fabulous short Pareidolia to accompany the opening ceremony with director Aaron Truss and producer Stuart Morriss in attendance.

You can view the full lineup below (click to expand) and purchase festival passes here.

The Festival of Fantastic Films takes place at the Pendulum Hotel and Conference Centre, Manchester, on October 20th-23rd. You can find more information on the Festival website. We’ll see you there!