Arrow Video FrightFest cancels October Cineworld event midst growing COVID restrictions

Arrow Video FrightFest will go virtual for the second time in 2020, having taken the difficult decision to cancel its planned physical event at the Cineworld, Leicester Square. due to continuing COVID restrictions making the event socially, practically and commercially untenable.

The digital edition will run over the same days, from Oct 22-25 Oct, and will combine the in-cinema and proposed Halloween digital event into one online festival experience.

Ian Rattray, co-director, said today: “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the Cineworld event. Although cinemas are not affected by the new hospitality rules, it was the tipping point in terms of what kind of event we were comfortable in presenting to the fans. And with the threat of further London lockdown rules being imposed, it was felt the best plan was to move everything online”

The line-up, which will include over forty films, will be announced on Thurs 1 Oct, with tickets going on sale the same day. As with the August online event, passes as well as individual tickets will be available.

Arrow Video will continue as headline sponsor and other partners confirmed at this stage include broadcast sponsor Horror Channel, global entertainment outlet Den of Geek and online pop culture retailer Zavvi.