Interview: Helen Nicholson, FrightFest Co-Festival Manager

Behind every sold-out screening, discovery gem and packed five-day schedule at FrightFest lies a logistical challenge – and at the centre of that controlled chaos is Helen Nicholson. As co-festival manager and the woman behind the festival’s intricate ticketing system, Helen has quietly become one of FrightFest’s most vital unsung heroes.

What started as a return to festival volunteering after university quickly spiraled into something much bigger. Over the years, Helen’s passion, patience and problem-solving prowess have seen her take on ever-larger responsibilities, culminating in her full command of ticketing operations, a role that comes with intense pressure and very little room for error.

But Helen does it all with a wry sense of humour, a steady hand, and an unshakable love for the FrightFest community. Whether it’s soothing disappointed fans, surviving the dreaded Discovery Pass Day, or championing the ever-growing short film showcases, her work ensures the festival runs smoothly and remains welcoming to all.

Below, Helen opens up about the highs and lows of running the box office at the UK’s biggest genre event, her favourite memories, and why she believes FrightFest’s secret weapon is the horror fans themselves.

Helen Nicholson, FrightFest Co-Festival Manager

1. How did you get involved with FrightFest?

I first got involved in FrightFest about 16 years ago. I had worked at a few Film Festivals after University, and then got a ‘real job’, but missed the volunteering aspect so reached out. I sent an email to a random email address I found last-minute, and next think I know I’m invited to join the volunteers. After my 1st year, I was asked to step-up and help more, and kept gravitating towards tickets! After a few years of doing this Ian approached me and asked how I would feel about doing the tickets all ourselves – and being a people pleaser immeadiately said ‘Yes’! Some days I question if it was the right choice!!

2. What are the key qualities needed to perform your roles in the production?

Patience, Problem solving skills (finding seats even when sold out), Stamina (sitting at the desk for 15 hours actually gets very tiring) and never wanting to have a holiday in the summer!

3. What’s the hardest part?

Disappointing people. The role can be stressful and frustrating, but that soon passes. Pass and Discovery day at my 2 worst days of the year – they are the things I worry about the most, but have the least control over. I spend weeks building the ticket site and triple checking everything is ready to go, so when something goes wrong, and I can’t solve it or explain it, I take it personally but also feel for those who have been disappointed.

4. What is your most memorable moment of FrightFest so far?

So many memories, it’s been hard to pick one! My first memory was watching Final Destination 5 in the big Empire Screen and hearing people cheering along to the death scenes – I knew I’d found my people! Mostly I enjoy people watching, chatting to people and making new FrightFest friends. FrightFest-ers are some of the nicest bunch of people and always there to help each other and newbies feel welcome.

5. What do you think it is that makes FrightFest stand head and shoulders above other film fests?

For me it’s the ‘For the fans, by the fans’ line being true. I’ve done many Festivals, where the talent are brought in and quickly taken away again and that’s it. With FrightFest we don’t have red carpets or VIP sections – the guests sit with the audience, walk around the cinema and even join us for a drink in the evening! You don’t really get that experience anywhere else.

6. How has FrightFest and the films you feature there evolved since you’ve been involved?

There boys all have their own tastes, which makes it work and ensures there’s something for everyone in the Festival. I’m often asked ‘Who picked that one?’ as regulars align themselves to one of the one of the directors selections and seek them out. The shorts has been a personal favourite of mine, our small team are in out 3rd year now and have already added an extra showcase in August and one at Glasgow, but i’m hoping to get more involved as the years go on!

7. What is your top tip for attendees to ensure they get the most out of the fest?

Ask questions – if there’s something you don’t know or are unsure about, please ask one of the team of volunteers, we are more than happy to help. Try and talk to people – they really are a friendly bunch, and many came solo and have made amazing friendship groups from coming to FrightFest. Get to the screens on time! You never know what freebie or special preview might await! Lastly, and most importantly – Enjoy every minute, because Monday rolls around too quickly!

FrightFest thrives because of the people who keep it personal, and Helen Nicholson is the perfect example. Tireless, approachable and fiercely committed to getting it right, she helps make the festival feel less like a faceless event and more like a gathering of kindred spirits, all united by a love for genre cinema and a tolerance for long queues.

From tech troubles to triumphs, Helen’s efforts ensure that every screening feels special and that newcomers and veterans alike feel at home. As the curtain rises on FrightFest 2025, we salute the person who keeps the front lines moving – with spreadsheets, stamina and a smile.