New Manchester LGBTQ+ Film/TV Festival SCENE To Debut This August

A vibrant extension of the spirit of Manchester Pride. This August, the city will be welcoming a glittering new LGBTQ+ film and TV festival, in the form of SCENE. Promising to showcase the magic of LGBTQ+ film and TV across its one week run (Fri 16th – Thurs 22nd August).

Opening night will see the festival celebrate 25 years of the iconic Queer As Folk, which shone a light on Manchester’s Canal Street. The show’s creator Russell T Davies alongside executive producer Nicola Schindler and actress Denise Black will be taking part in a celebratory panel with more names expected to be announced, complete with afterparty at New Century Hall as you’re transported back to the fictional nightclub Babylon.

Sticking with influential figures. Festival partner HOME will be honouring the legendary John Waters on with a double helping of Pink Flamingos (Sat 17 Aug) and Female Trouble (Sun 18 Aug), as the ‘Filthiest Carnival Alive’ takes over the venue with an array of drag queens, circus performers, DJs and side stalls inspired by Water’s body of work.

Marking 40 years since LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support The Miners) was formed. ‘Striking With Pride: United At The Coalface’ screening at the People’s History Museum (Mon 19 August) is a powerhouse documentary from Sky, exploring the unlikely alliance between queer people based in London and striking miners in South Wales, between the London Prides of 1984 and 1985.

Offering a more contemporary look at queer life. There will be a special screening of the acclaimed BBC drama Lost Boys and Fairies (Tues 20 Aug), with writer Daf James and star Sion Daniel Young in attendance for a Q+A. SCENE is also offering you the chance to catch two brilliant upcoming Peccadillo Pictures titles ahead of official release, The Summer Of Carmen and Solo (both screening on Wed 21 Aug). Whilst The Lesbian Bar Project (Wed 21 Aug) takes a deep dive into the emerging Flinta communities in both Cologne and Berlin, in the midst of a decline of traditional lesbian bars in Germany.

Head of Events at CityCo (producers of SCENE Festival), Gary Williams, said: 

“We are excited to bring this celebration of LGBTQ+ Film & TV to Manchester as part of Manchester Pride’s festivities. SCENE promises a week of solidarity, diversity, and enjoyment. LGBTQIA+ representation on screen allows us to share our stories, break down barriers, and grow our community. We can’t wait to champion queer content and celebrate together this summer.”

Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, added:

“As the programme for Manchester Pride Festival expands, we’re pleased to welcome this fresh, new event. There are many different ways that LGBTQ+ people like to celebrate Pride. And, having consulted with our communities we recognise the potential for this exciting showcase and celebration of Manchester LGBTQ+ Film & TV and the incredible talent involved in the creation of these important stories.”

All events at SCENE are £15 or under with many being £5 or free including a free outdoor screen on First Street.

SCENE will be donating ticket profits to Manchester Pride Charity and ticket partner Skiddle will also donate the booking fee for any events booked through their site meaning attendees are directly supporting work in the LGBTQ+ community in the city.

You can find the full SCENE Festival line-up HERE.

Instagram: @Scene_Festival

Twitter: SCENEFestival