Festival at a Glance

SCENE Manchester LBGTQ+ Film & TV Festival brought a diverse and internationally acclaimed programme of LGBTQIA+ film screenings, industry panels, and talent showcases to Manchester.

With a strong reputation for celebrating emerging voices in cinema and showcasing Manchester’s on-screen talent, SCENE attracted audiences from across the UK, generating significant opportunity for the city’s accommodation sector, cultural economy and creative industries.

4000+: Tickets Sold
8 Venues: Hosting Events
7 Days: Of Activities

SCENE Manchester LBGTQ+ Film & TV Festival brought a diverse and internationally acclaimed programme of LGBTQIA+ film screenings, industry panels, and talent showcases to Manchester.

With a strong reputation for celebrating emerging voices in cinema and showcasing Manchester’s on-screen talent, SCENE attracted audiences from across the UK, generating significant opportunity for the city’s accommodation sector, cultural economy and creative industries.

The 2025 festival programme offered a rich combination of screenings, live events, and interactive sessions. Highlights included Channel 4’s Altogether Different Comedy Night at AVIVA Studios, the exclusive screening and cast panel of What It Feels Like for a Girl at HOME, and a preview of Departures at Vue, Printworks. Fans of British television enjoyed the 10 Years of Cucumber reunion with cast members Russell T Davies, Vincent Franklin, and Cyril Nri, while The Victoria Wood-A‑Thon celebrated one of the country’s most beloved comedians at New Century Hall.

The opening night featured Lesbian Space Princess at HOME, and other key events included Jonathan Harvey in Conversation alongside a screening of Beautiful Thing, a Party Monster screening with a WOW Presents retrospective, Waterloo Road: Everyone Welcome with cast and creatives, and a special Manchester Camerata performance showcasing LGBTQ+ composers paired with the documentary Monk in Pieces.

The festival’s multi-venue structure and international appeal provided a direct boost across Manchester’s accommodation sector. Several hotels collaborated with SCENE Festival to offer bespoke packages that included discounts, gifts and cocktails, lobby DJ’s and special events. These initiatives not only improved the visitor experience but also maximised the economic return to Manchester’s hospitality industry, reinforcing the city’s status as a destination for cultural tourism and creative events.

SCENE’s commitment to nurturing creative talent was strengthened through support from the Manchester Accommodation Bid. Through this partnership, participating hotels provided more than just accommodation to attendees, they hosted networking breakfasts, workshops, mentorship sessions, and informal meetings that enabled both Northwest-based filmmakers and international delegates to connect with producers, distributors, and established industry figures. This support allowed the festival to attract a broader range of talent and offer a more comprehensive programme, from screenings to industry masterclasses.

With Manchester Accommodation BID support, the 2025 SCENE Film & TV Festival reinforced Manchester’s position as a city that champions diverse voices in the creative industries while creating tangible benefits for its ever-growing accommodation sector. By providing physical space, logistical support, and tailored hotel packages for attendees, hotels directly contributed to the festival’s ability to attract talent, deliver large scale events, and support local business across multiple sectors.