Starburst International Film Festival at MMU Student Union Complex

At over 35 years old, the Manchester based Starburst Magazine lays claim to being the world’s longest running cult entertainment publication. This August bank holiday weekend, they reach into that long history to provide a carefully curated festival featuring tons of screenings and special guests, an awards show and, we’re told — plenty of time to party.

To host the festival, the Starburst folk have managed to commandeer the entirety of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Student Union Complex from Friday to Sunday. The huge space means that there is room for up to four simultaneous screenings and associated events at any one time and a packed programme ensures that there is something on offer for sci-fi, fantasy, horror and cult cinema fans of all stripes.

The festival boasts far more events and screenings than it is possible to detail here, but highlights include the celebratory 30th anniversary screening of action sci-fi, Aliens, featuring a Q+A with Oscar winning production designer, Peter Lamont. There’s also the chance to catch George Miller’s post-apocalyptic gas-guzzlers in Mad Max 2, with cast member Virginia Hey on hand to provide insight into the filming. Meanwhile, animation fans are in for a treat with Wallace and Gromit feature, The Wrong Trousers, and Manga UK mark 25 years with special screenings of audience favourites, Akira and Ghost in the Shell.

The festival promises a party atmosphere, and there will be bars, coffee shops and dealer spaces in which to catch your breath and chat with likeminded film fans. Tickets start at £25.50 for a day pass, or £75 for the full weekend. There’s also the opportunity to book on-site accommodation if you’re thinking of coming from out of town or if you just want to get within stumbling distance of the action.