Festival Information
North West
Overview
The Manchester Film Festival is a celebration of independent cinema, and has grown into a multi-day event showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world. Festival events primarily take place at the Odeon, Great Northern and feature film screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, industry panels, and networking opportunities. The festival is known for its relaxed, film-maker-friendly atmosphere and has become a significant platform for independent film-makers. As a BIFA and BAFTA qualifying festival for both short and feature films, Manchester Film Festival has gained recognition in the UK film industry. The festival's popularity continues to grow, with recent editions seeing substantial increases in attendance.
Festival Capacity: ≈ 7,500–8,000 total admissions (multi-venue)
Manchester Film Festival does not publish a single official site capacity. Industry reporting and media coverage indicate that recent editions have attracted approximately 7,500–8,000 attendees in total across the full festival period. Attendance is spread across multiple cinema venues and individual screenings, rather than gathered in one location at any single time. Figures refer to cumulative admissions across all events and days.
Location
Manchester Film Festival takes place across several cinema and cultural venues in Manchester city centre, within walking distance of each other.
Festival Venues
Screenings and events are hosted across three main venues:
- ODEON Great Northern – A key festival cinema venue hosting a large proportion of public screenings.
- HOME (Screen 1) – A contemporary arts centre featuring selected screenings and events.
- Aviva Studios – Factory International’s landmark venue, used for special screenings and festival activity.
Festival Hub
The Manchester Film Festival Hub operates from 283 Deansgate, selling tickets and festival merchandise throughout the festival. The hub is card-only and opens one hour before the first screening each day.
Travel Info
All festival venues are accessible by public transport. The closest tram stop to the main venue cluster is Deansgate-Castlefield, with additional rail and bus links serving Manchester city centre.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: £15 - £90
This price range aims to give a general indication of the lowest and highest prices typically available, from individual screening tickets to full festival passes. Always check the official ticket page for current pricing and availability.
Individual film screening tickets can be found via the official festival website.
Multi-screening passes can be purchased via the official festival app.
Please note: all films have an age certification/restriction and attendees may be asked for valid photo ID before admission.
Ticket Options
- Single Screening Tickets – Tickets for individual film screenings are typically purchased via the festival’s main website and are subject to availability and venue capacity.
- Multi-Screening Passes – Discounted passes that can be redeemed against multiple screenings across the festival:
- 6-Film Pass
- 10-Film Pass
- Full Festival Pass – Provides unlimited access to film screenings throughout the festival, including Opening Night and Closing Night events.
Please review the festival’s FAQ page before booking if you are unsure which ticket type is right for you.
Important Ticket Information
Only purchase tickets from official Manchester Film Festival sales channels. Ticket terms, refund policies, and access rules vary depending on ticket type and event, so please review the festival’s official FAQs before booking.
Accommodation
Manchester Film Festival is NOT a camping festival, please make your own accommodation plans. For accommodation suggestions, you could try the "Visit Manchester" website.
Packing Checklist
Ensure you're fully prepared for your festival adventure with our Essential Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
The Manchester Film Festival is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all attendees. Accessibility features are primarily provided through the venue, Odeon Great Northern. For detailed information on wheelchair access, hearing loops, audio description, and other accessibility services, please visit Odeon's accessibility page.
Accessibility provision may vary slightly at additional festival venues. If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, you can contact the venue directly or reach out to the festival organisers through their contact page. The festival team is dedicated to accommodating all visitors and ensuring everyone can enjoy the cinematic experience.
