The UK’s premier event for ‘real film’ enthusiasts is back! Join us for a packed weekend celebrating celluloid cinema, from Super 8 to 35mm, at The Grand Hotel on Blackpool’s North Promenade from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November 2025.
Here’s a round-up of what’s on, and why you can’t afford to miss it.
Friday Night Feature: The Great Reveal
- When: Friday, 14th November, from 8:00 PM
- What: The weekend kicks off in style with a special evening film show. Projectionist Nigel Lister will be running a stunning 35mm cinema print.
- The Hook: The title of the feature film remains a secret until the lights go down! Come along to be one of the first to see what classic or rarity is screened.
Saturday: All-Day Projection and Gala Dinner
- All-Day Cinema (10:00 AM onwards): This is your chance to choose the films we screen! We invite you to bring your own short film prints (on Super 8, 16mm, or even 35mm) for a truly democratic and eclectic day of cinema. Projected by Jim Cecil and Nigel Lister, it’s all about sharing the joy of film.
- The Film Collectors’ Dinner (7 PM for 7.30 PM; you must have pre-booked): Saturday night is a sophisticated affair. Indulge in a lavish three-course gala dinner, followed by Adrian Winchester’s fiendishly difficult film quiz between courses. Prepare for a fiercely competitive but friendly battle of cinematic knowledge!
- The Grand Raffle: Following the dinner, get ready for our always popular raffle. There are some truly amazing prizes up for grabs, including highly sought-after features on both Super 8 and 16mm, perfect for expanding your collection.
- Evening Show: The night is capped off with a superb film show, expertly compiled this year by collector Colin Tolman.
Sunday: The Legendary Film Fair and Special Guests
- Film Fair Opens (10:00 AM): The main event! Entry is just £6, payable in cash on the door.
- What to Buy: Explore two full dealer rooms stacked with everything a collector could wish for: film prints (standard 8mm, Super 8, 16mm, 35mm), projectors, accessories, film memorabilia, and books.
- What to Watch: In recognition of Super 8’s 60th birthday, there will be two Super 8 film shows throughout the day. We’ll be screening some of the latest Super 8 releases from Classic Home Cinema and Dorun films, which will also be available to purchase on the day.
- Bring & Buy and Auction: offload your unwanted prints and equipment at the Bring & Buy stall – entry is just £1 per item. The auction takes place at 3.30pm (films only) and again entry is just £1 per item.
- Q&A Guest: Join us for a fascinating Q&A session with Phil Sheard of Classic Home Cinema, one of the biggest names in the hobby.
- Missing Episodes at Blackpool: At 2:30 PM, Film is Fabulous! and television historian Dick Fiddy present a special two-hour digital screening of some of their incredible newly-recovered TV programmes, offering a rare peek at lost broadcasts saved from oblivion.
- The Collingwood Show 8 PM – 11 PM: The weekend rounds off with this relaxed, final film show. We’ll be projecting Super 8 and 16mm prints—perhaps even some of the great titles you picked up at the fair!
Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of analogue film in Blackpool this November!
You can see a great video review of last year’s event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAD1wjLz1T4
Blackpool Film Collectors' Convention 