SCENE, Manchester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ Film and TV Festival, has today announced its complete programme for 2025. Adding to an already exciting line-up, the festival is set to feature new additions including ‘Channel 4 Presents: An Altogether Different Comedy Night’ and a special screening and panel celebrating the BBC hit drama, ‘What It Feels Like for a Girl’.
The festival also includes a moving preview of ‘Departures’, the first feature film from Manchester-based filmmakers Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan, alongside a lively tribute to comedy icon Victoria Wood in ‘The Victoria Wood-A-Thon’, hosted by Make A Scene.
Taking place across the city from Friday 15th to Thursday 21st August, SCENE makes its return after a successful debut last year. It promises a dynamic week of queer storytelling through film, television, music, and live performance, all as part of Manchester Pride 2025.
Final Highlights Include:
Channel 4 Presents: An Altogether Different Comedy Night
Friday 15th August | Aviva Studios
This isn’t just any stand-up night; it’s Channel 4 showcasing its knack for innovation and highlighting the freshest, most daring new voices in comedy. ‘An Altogether Different Comedy Night’ will deliver stand-up that’s sharp, original, and sure to keep you on your toes. Expect no tired routines or safe bets – just comics who are keen to push boundaries, experiment, and get the audience roaring with laughter. Think rapid-fire jokes, fearless new material, an enthusiastic crowd, and perhaps a few unexpected surprises.
What It Feels Like for a Girl: Screening + In ConversationTuesday 19th August | New Century Hall
Join the cast of ‘What It Feels Like for a Girl’ for an exclusive panel discussion, alongside a special screening of the first episode of this lively new drama. The hour-long panel will feature principal cast members Hannah Jones, Laquarn Lewis, Alex Thomas-Smith, Adam Ali, and Ellis Howard, as they share insights and anecdotes about this exciting new show, which is based on Paris Lees’s highly praised memoir of the same name.
Departures
Tuesday 19th August | VUE, Printworks
Be among the first to see a special preview screening of ‘Departures’ before its national cinema release next year. This is the debut feature from Punk Spirit Films, a collective of working-class LGBT+ filmmakers based in Manchester, and it premiered at BFI Flare. Following the screening, there will be a chance to chat with filmmakers Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan for a deeper dive into the world of ‘Departures’.
The Victoria Wood-A-Thon
Monday 18th August | New Century Hall
Prepare for an evening celebrating Victoria Wood, the legendary comedy writer and performer whose work has been so warmly embraced by the queer community. Join Manchester’s wonderfully camp and queer film and TV club, Make A Scene, for a night packed with laughter, drag queens in wrinkly tights, musical tributes, special guests, dressing up, and more episodes of Victoria Wood shows than you can shake a garibaldi at! With thanks to BFI TV Archives.
Previously Announced Highlights:
The festival’s previously announced programme already boasts a fantastic selection, including:
* ’10 Years of Cucumber + In Conversation with Russell T Davies’
* Opening Night Film: ‘Lesbian Space Princess’
* ‘Jonathan Harvey in Conversation + Beautiful Thing’
* ‘Party Monster + WOW Presents Plus Retrospective with Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato’
* ‘Waterloo Road: Everyone Welcome’
* ‘Manchester Camerata: LGBTQ+ Composers in Concert + Monk in Pieces’
* ‘Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide to Surviving the Plot + Lesbian TV Quiz’
* ‘SCENE New Narrative: International LGBTQ+ Fiction Showcase’
* ‘Best of Sheffield DocFest’
* ‘Showgirls 30th Anniversary Screening + Drag Takeover’
* Free Outdoor Screenings on First Street – from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘Wicked’ sing-alongs.
* A short film programme including ‘Out of MCR: SCENE Shorts’ showcase and selections by Iris Prize and GAZE.
SCENE 2025 continues to champion creative collaboration with partners such as Manchester Pride, CULTPLEX, and GASP! The festival will also feature dedicated strands like ‘Queer As Jokes’ and ‘NightLives’, celebrating queer comedy and clubbing culture.
Tickets start from just £2.50, with many events available free of charge. All profits from ticket sales and booking fees via partner Skiddle will be donated to the Manchester Pride Charity. For those travelling to Manchester for the festival, ‘SCENE & STAY’ packages offer exclusive hotel deals, drag brunches, limited-edition cocktails, and more.
Tickets information- https://www.scenefestival.com