Romford Horror Festival Unleashes 240 Films Across Four Days

Festival fans can prepare for an unforgettable four-day experience as the Romford Horror Festival returns with a bigger, bolder, and bloodier line-up than ever before. Running from February 27th to March 2nd, the festival will take over the soon-to-be-open Lumiere at the Mercury Shopping Centre, setting the stage for its highly anticipated official launch at the end of March. This year’s event marks a major expansion, with 240 feature films and shorts screening across seven screens, offering a deep dive into both mainstream and independent horror.

Festival Director Spencer Hawken sees this edition as a milestone, not only for the festival itself but also as a crucial test for the new cinema. “This is a fantastic opportunity to test the venue with a live audience, and horror fans are the perfect guinea pigs,” he said. “They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and incredibly understanding if there are any technical hiccups. While our staff have extensive experience in film, this will be their first taste of running a full-fledged cinema operation.”

The festival kicks off with a showcase that bridges the gap between well-known horror titles and the work of independent filmmakers, giving emerging talent the chance to see their creations play alongside classic genre films. On February 28th, attendees will have access to an exclusive legal workshop from entertainment lawyer Sylvia J. Schmidt, who will be live-streaming to provide guidance on the business and legal side of filmmaking.

The star power reaches its peak on March 1st, with a special guest line-up featuring legends from across horror history. Francesca Ciardi (Cannibal Holocaust), Ian McCulloch and Ottavio Dell’Acqua (Zombie Flesh Eaters), Hammer Horror icons Pauline Peart and Martine Beswick, and House by the Cemetery star Sylvia Collatina are among those making appearances. Also attending are indie horror staple Eileen Daly and Star Wars actor Ross Sambridge, with Hawken hinting at more surprise guests to be revealed—including one particularly special addition on opening night.

The film line-up is equally impressive, blending cult classics, rediscovered gems, and world premieres. Among the highlights is The Shuttered Room, a notoriously rare find that has remained elusive for decades. Other unearthed treasures include The Tenant, The Lift, and the shocking Austrian psychological horror Angst.

The independent section is stacked with must-watch titles, including the UK premiere of Halloween Tales and the world premiere of The Reign of Queen Ginnara. Fans of underground horror can also look forward to Video Shop Tales of Terror 2, which had a successful debut at Horror-on-Sea, and the bizarre, Popeye-inspired nightmare Shiver Me Timbers. British screen veteran Steven Berkoff will present his adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart, adding literary horror to the mix. Other featured films include Sheryl, All This Time, Interlopers, Psychopomo, and Britain’s Greatest Ghost Stories.

The festival will also shine a spotlight on ultra-low-budget horror, proving that creativity can thrive on minimal resources, with a selection of films made for under £1,000. Horror animation will also get its due, with an impressive collection of stop-motion and animated shorts adding an eerie visual variety to the programme.

Beyond the screenings, the festival will host a bustling marketplace throughout the weekend, packed with horror merchandise, books, graphic novels, Blu-rays, posters, and unique handcrafted items. From macabre garden ornaments to rare collector’s items, the marketplace is set to be a paradise for horror enthusiasts looking to expand their collections.

With last year’s festival drawing 3,288 attendees, organisers expect an even bigger crowd this year, with international guests travelling to Romford not only to screen their films but to take in the festival’s thriving atmosphere. “This event has become a significant boost to the local community,” said Hawken. “Hotel availability is already dwindling, which tells us just how far people are willing to travel to be part of this.”

Tickets for the festival are available now at www.romfordhorrorfestival.com. You won’t want to miss the chance to immerse yourself in one of the UK’s fastest-growing genre festivals.