Highlands Horror Film Festival - Scotland's Premier Horror Event

The History of the Highlands Horror Film Festival

The Highlands Horror Film Festival is a celebration of horror films that takes place annually in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. Since its inception in 2015, it has grown from a small independent festival into one of the most popular events in the UK horror community's calendar.

The festival was founded by avid horror fans Angus MacLeod and Fiona Campbell, who wanted to showcase new and classic horror films in Angus' hometown of Fort William. Angus is a filmmaker himself, having directed several independent horror shorts. Fiona is a programmer who helps curate film festivals around the world.

They were inspired by FrightFest, the UK's biggest horror film festival that takes place annually in London. Angus and Fiona thought it would be amazing to bring a similar event to the Highlands, which are known for their creepy atmospheres and mystical, monster-filled lochs. The landscape would provide the perfect chilling backdrop for a horror film festival.

The First Year

In 2015, Angus and Fiona brought their idea to life with the first ever Highlands Horror Film Festival. It was a small affair, spanning just two days at the 300-seat West Highland Cinema in Fort William. Around 20 films were screened, ranging from cult horror classics like Evil Dead to more recent indie productions.

Despite its modest size, the inaugural festival was a hit with horror fans. The opening night screening of Sinister quickly sold out, and many screenings over the weekend were packed. There was a feeling that Angus and Fiona had tapped into an underserved horror community in the Highlands.

Expansion and Growth

Encouraged by a successful first year, Angus and Fiona expanded the festival for 2016. It was extended to four days, with more films and events added to the lineup. A Short Films Showcase was introduced to highlight up-and-coming filmmakers. There were also talks, workshops, and an opening night costume party.

Word began to spread about the Highlands Horror Film Festival within the UK horror community. Attendance doubled in 2016 compared to the previous year. Sponsorship increased as well, allowing Angus and Fiona to book bigger films and invite special guest authors, directors and FX artists.

By 2017, the festival had built up enough of a reputation to attract over 2,000 attendees throughout its five-day run. Bigger venues were used in Fort William to accommodate demand. Universal Pictures even allowed them to screen an advance preview of the new Halloween sequel, which was a major coup.

Present Day

Now in its fifth year, the Highlands Horror Film Festival has become an established, highly-anticipated event. It takes place every October over 5 days and screens around 50 films. Recent lineups have included premieres of major horror titles like Midsommar and Escape Room.

While the festival has grown considerably since 2015, Angus and Fiona have retained its intimate, communal atmosphere. It brings horror fans together to celebrate and discuss the genre they love in a unique Highland setting.

In addition to screenings, the festival schedule is packed with special events. There are Q&As with directors and actors, workshops on horror makeup effects, live podcast recordings, costume contests, and late night parties. It's an immersive experience for horror enthusiasts.

Around 5,000 attendees flock to Fort William each year for the festival. While many come from other parts of the UK, roughly a third of attendees are locals. The festival has succeeded in growing a horror community in the Scottish Highlands.

Why Attend the Highlands Horror Film Festival?

Here are some of the key reasons the Highlands Horror Film Festival has become a must-attend event for horror fans in the UK and beyond:

The Films

The Highlands Horror Film Festival showcases both emerging and established horror films from around the world. Features include mainstream hits, indie productions, retrospectives of classic films, and quirky alternative horror titles.

Recent festival lineups have included high-profile films like Hereditary, Mandy, and The Witch. These screen alongside indie gems and experimental shorts that attendees might not see elsewhere. The diverse film programming reflects the diverse tastes of horror fans.

The Atmosphere

Between the creepy Highland landscapes and dedication of attendees, the festival achieves an incredible horror atmosphere. Everyone dresses up in costumes and fully embraces the dark spirit of the event.

The passionate crowds who pack out screenings and events create an electric, communal environment. Horror fans can let their freak flags fly in a judgement-free zone. The festival highlights the passion and community around the genre.

The Events

In addition to screenings, the festival schedule includes an array of special events that make it a truly immersive experience. Fans can:

• Meet horror icons at Q&As
• Learn SFX makeup techniques at workshops
• Dance the night away at horror-themed costume parties
• Attend live podcast recordings
• Participate in horror trivia, costume contests, and more

These exciting events surround attendees with horror day and night. They make the festival stand out as a celebration of all things horror.

The Location

The stunning natural scenery of the Scottish Highlands provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for a horror film festival. Attendees get a thrilling juxtaposition of creepy films and beautiful landscapes.

Centering the festival in Fort William puts attendees right in the heart of classic horror country. Nearby Glen Coe and Loch Ness have mythic associations with monsters and the supernatural. The region looks like it could be the setting for a horror movie.

Festival Guests and Speakers

One of the highlights of the Highlands Horror Film Festival is the chance to meet, listen to, and interact with special guest speakers. These guests have included some of the top names working in horror today.

Directors

Acclaimed horror directors like Keith Thomas (The Vigil) and Oz Perkins (I Am the Pretty Thing in the House) have participated in Q&As after screenings of their films. Getting insights straight from the directors about their creative process provides invaluable context.

Actors

Stars like Anna and the Apocalypse's Ella Hunt and The Witch's Ralph Ineson have also fielded questions after screenings at the festival. Actors provide a different perspective than directors on how horror films get made.

Authors

Renowned horror authors like Ramsey Campbell, Tananarive Due, Paul Tremblay, and Grady Hendrix have given talks about their writing craft and what inspires them. For horror lit fans, this access is a dream come true.

FX Artists

Behind-the-scenes artists reveal how they create horror movie scares. Recent FX guests include Nina Hartstone (The Witch) and Stuart Conran (No One Gets Out Alive). Their workshops teach attendees the secrets of the trade.

These are just a few examples of the incredible guest speakers the festival has hosted. Horror's top creatives make the effort to come because they recognize the festival's growing status. For attendees, it's an unforgettable experience.

Festival Venues

The Highlands Horror Film Festival takes place at several venues clustered around Fort William. Each venue has its own unique character and brings something different to the festival.

The Highland Cinema

The West Highland Cinema is the epicenter of the festival as the main venue for screenings. It's an intimate, newly renovated two-screen art house theater on Fort William's High Street. The program here focuses on new release films making their UK debut along with undiscovered indie gems.

The Village Hall

Down the street, the Village Hall serves as a makeshift third screening room during the festival along with hosting workshops and other events. Its size accommodates bigger crowds. Pop-up bars and food stalls outside the hall become a social hub.

The Town Hall

Special events like Q&As with guest speakers, trivia, and the costume contest happen at the 19th century Fort William Town Hall. Its gracious assembly room provides a grand yet spooky setting in keeping with the gothic atmosphere.

Pubs and Nightclubs

Late night parties extend the festival into the wee hours at local pubs and nightclubs. Horror disco, costume contests, and live bands amp up the energy levels. Festival-goers can party on with their fellow freaks and geeks.

Together, these venues create a compact festival zone. Attendees can easily walk between them and feel immersed in the festival vibe throughout.

How to Attend the Festival

Interested in attending the Highlands Horror Film Festival? Here is some key info to help you start planning your trip:

Dates

The festival takes place every year in mid-October. In 2023, it will run October 18-22. The dates shift slightly each year but always fall around late October.

Tickets

Passes grant access to all films and events. Day passes, weekend passes, and full festival passes are available starting from £25. Passes go on sale in late summer - follow the festival website and social media for announcements.

Location

Everything takes place centrally in Fort William, a small town of around 10,000 residents. It's located majestically at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak.

Travel

Fort William is very accessible. It's just over 3 hours by car or train from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Flights into Inverness Airport are only 40 minutes away. Staying right in Fort William is recommended for convenience.

Accommodations

Fort William has lots of hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and vacation rentals. Book well in advance, as rooms fill up. Camping and glamping options are also available in the surrounding countryside.

Check the festival website for some hotel partners that offer discounted rates. Airbnb is another good option, but book early for the best selection.

The Future of the Festival

After developing a passionate following in its first five years, the future looks bright for the Highlands Horror Film Festival. Founders Angus and Fiona are committed to keeping the intimate, communal vibe even as it expands.

There are plans in the works to extend the festival by a day to include even more films and events. Partnerships with studios like Universal Pictures and A24 will provide access to upcoming buzzworthy horror titles.

No matter how much it grows, the festival will keep celebrating indie and alternative horror alongside mainstream hits. Its inclusive, welcoming spirit brings together horror fans of all stripes.

The breathtaking Highland scenery will continue providing a one-of-a-kind setting. And organizers strive to top each year's lineup with fresh new guest speakers, parties, and activities.

For horror fans, mark your calendars for this year's festival from October 18-22. And there's no better time than now to start planning your trip to the Scottish Highlands for a frightfully good time at one of the world's best horror events.

FAQs

What are the dates for the 2023 festival?

The 2023 Highlands Horror Film Festival will take place October 18-22.

Where does the festival take place?

All festival events and screenings happen in Fort William, located in the Scottish Highlands.

How can I get tickets?

Tickets go on sale in late summer each year. Check the festival website and social media for announcements. You can purchase day passes, weekend passes, or full festival passes.

Are there age restrictions?

Some films and events may have age restrictions. Children under 12 require adult supervision. Check the schedule for age ratings on each film.

Where should I stay during the festival?

Fort William has lots of accommodation options. Book hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, or camping/glamping well in advance as they fill up fast.