The Blackpool Film Collectors’ Convention returns to The Grand Hotel, North Shore, Blackpool on 13th – 15th November 2026. Join us for a packed weekend celebrating real film – from Super 8 to 35mm!
Friday Night Feature
- When: Friday, 13th November, from 8PM
- What: We kick off the 2026 Convention with a special screening of Falling Down starring Michael Douglas. The 35mm cinema print will be screened by Nigel Lister and Martyn Stribling on two 35mm projectors, complete with changeovers.
- The Hook: entry to the film screening is completely free of charge! Special thanks to Warner Bros. Discovery for approving this 35mm screening.
Saturday: All-Day Cinema and Gala Dinner
- All-Day Cinema (10AM onwards): This is your chance to choose the films we watch – bring along your own short films (Super 8, 16mm or 35mm) and we’ll do our very best to screen them. Projected by Jim Cecil and Nigel Lister, there’s bound to be plenty to entertain.
- The Film Collectors’ Dinner: (7PM for 7.30PM; you must have booked): This year marks the 40th Film Collectors’ Dinner which was started by Derann Film Services in 1985. A lavish three-course gala dinner is the order of the day with Adrian Winchester’s fiendishly difficult film quiz taking place between the courses.
- The Grand Raffle: Following the dinner, make sure you have your tickets for the popular raffle. There are some truly amazing prizes on offer, including Super 8 and 16mm feature films, shorts, movie memorabilia and collectables.
- The Evening Film Show: the night ends with a Super 8 film show, this year compiled by Phil Slater.
Sunday – The Film Fair, auction and special guests!
- When: The Film Fair opens at 10AM sharp. Entry is £8, payable in cash on the door.
- What is there to buy? We have two packed dealer rooms with everything a film collector could wish for: Super 8, 16mm and 35mm films; film projectors, splicers and cine equipment; movie posters, memorabilia, collectables and books.
- Film screenings: We have two special film screenings throughout the day: a Super 8 show including new releases from Dorun Films, and a Super 8 CinemaScope show. Timings will be publicised in the programme available on entry to the Film Fair.
- Q&A: Adrian Winchester once again hosts the afternoon Question and Answer session. In the hot seat this year is film collector Joe ‘Shorty’ Caruso, visiting from the United States. Timings will be publicised in the programme available on entry to the Film Fair.
- Bring and Buy Stall and Auction: Offload your unwanted films and equipment at the Bring and Buy Stall in the main dealer room. Entry is just £1 per item. The Auction takes place in the afternoon and again entry is just £1 per item. You can enter items in the auction (films only, please) via the Bring and Buy stall. Timings will be publicised in the programme available on entry to the Film Fair.
- The Collingwood Show: The weekend rounds off with a final film show in the cinema, starting at 8PM. It’s the perfect opportunity to project some of the Super 8 and 16mm prints you’ve picked up at the Film Fair, and a relaxed way to end the whole weekend.
We hope you enjoy the 2026 event, and hope to see you again in 2027 – the fiftieth anniversary of the Blackpool Convention!
