After a dazzling debut in 2024, SCENE: Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Film and TV Festival is back and gearing up for an even bigger celebration of queer screen culture this summer. Mark your calendars: the 2025 edition of SCENE will take place from Friday 15th August to Thursday 21st August 2025, bringing a packed week of screenings, panels, parties, and powerful storytelling to venues across the city during Manchester’s iconic Pride festival.
Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural year – which featured tributes to queer trailblazers, sold-out screenings, and appearances from iconic names in LGBTQ+ culture – SCENE has firmly cemented its place in Manchester’s cultural calendar. This year, the festival returns with more premieres, more parties, and more pride than ever before, with an exciting line-up to follow soon.
“I loved discovering SCENE last year – packed with artists and creators, all celebrating LGBTQ+ stories on screen. And all of this in the middle of Manchester, an absolute powerhouse of art, TV and film, setting the standard for other cities to follow. It’s beautifully tied into Manchester Pride, and I’m sure this year will be bigger and better than ever.”
RUSSELL T DAVIES – Writer
SCENE: Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Film and TV Festival is back and gearing up for an even bigger celebration of queer screen culture this summer.
Gary Williams, Head of Events at CityCo (producers of SCENE Festival), says:
“We were blown away by the response to the first SCENE Festival – the audiences, the energy, and the love for queer storytelling in all its forms. It’s clear that this festival has struck a chord, and we’re thrilled to bring it back for 2025, even bigger and bolder. As part of Manchester’s iconic Pride celebrations, SCENE is a space to celebrate who we are, the stories that shape us, and the incredible talent across LGBTQ+ film and TV. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back this summer.”
Isobel Stainsbury, Senior Engagement Manager at Manchester Pride, adds:
“We are delighted to see the return of SCENE and to partner with the event again for 2025. SCENE has become a great addition to the Manchester Pride celebrations. As we continue to grow and evolve, we welcome more events that spotlight the diversity of our communities while fundraising for Manchester Pride to ensure we can continue to celebrate, promote the rights, equality and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester.”