Mayhem Film Festival returns to Broadway in Nottingham from 15–18 October 2026 for four days of horror, science fiction and cult cinema. The full 2026 programme is now live, with premieres, previews, cult classics and two short-film showcases across the four-day festival.
For horror fans willing to travel beyond London, Mayhem is one of October’s useful destination festivals. The Nottingham event returns to Broadway from 15–18 October for four days of horror, sci-fi and cult cinema, with the programme expanding as the festival approaches.
Check Mayhem 2026 passes and current availability →
Latest Update
Full Festival passes are currently listed by Broadway at £110 plus booking fee, with Early Bird passes sold out. The full 2026 programme is now available and includes Imposters, Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, a new 4K restoration of Guy Maddin’s Careful, Grind, No Way Down, Mārama, In the Mouth of Madness, two Short Film Showcases and more.
Overview
Founded in 2005, Mayhem has grown into a four-day genre festival at Broadway Cinema, combining contemporary horror, sci-fi and cult film with premieres, previews and special events. For Clarissa’s Corner readers who like the stranger corners of horror cinema, this is firmly in the “worth the trip” category.
2026 Programme Highlights
- Imposters — lo-fi science fiction from Caleb Phillips.
- Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant — body-horror comedy from New Zealand directing duo Thunderlips.
- Careful — a new 4K restoration of Guy Maddin’s 1992 film.
Programme
The full festival programme is now listed by Broadway. Alongside the initially announced titles, the line-up includes premieres, previews, cult classics and two Short Film Showcases. Check Broadway’s current Mayhem listings for individual screening times, certificates and availability.
Dates & Venue
Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October 2026
Broadway Cinema, 14–18 Broad Street, Nottingham, NG1 3AL.
Tickets
Broadway currently lists the Full Festival pass at £110 plus booking fee. Early Bird passes are sold out. Seating is allocated for the festival, so passholders select seats when booking. Mayhem says the festival is generally 18+ unless an individual screening is specifically listed otherwise, so check the certificate before booking.
Check current Mayhem 2026 passes at Broadway.
Guests & Special Events
Mayhem has a history of premieres, guests, masterclasses and unusual live cinema events, but no unannounced 2026 guests or special events are being listed here until they are confirmed.
Accessibility
Broadway says its main entrance has a street-level ramp and all four screens are wheelchair accessible, with lift or ramp access depending on the screen. Accessible toilets are available on several levels. Wheelchair spaces are limited, and Broadway recommends contacting the Box Office in advance for an accessible seat or wheelchair space. Infra-red hearing support is available in all four screens, with induction loops in Screens 1 and 2 and at the Box Office.
Festival-specific captioned, relaxed or sensory information should be checked against the individual 2026 screening once the full programme is released.
Why See It
Mayhem is useful for horror fans who want more than one headline release: it mixes international genre cinema, restorations and cult discoveries in a dedicated independent-cinema setting. It also gives Clarissa’s Corner a strong link between horror events, cinema coverage and destination planning outside London.
Practical Information
Broadway is around a 10–15 minute walk from Nottingham railway station; Lace Market tram stop is around five minutes away. Broadway also has a café bar, with food, snacks and drinks available during the festival.
FAQ
When is Mayhem Film Festival 2026?
15–18 October 2026.
Where is it?
Broadway Cinema in Nottingham.
Is the full programme out?
Yes. Broadway now lists the 2026 screenings, including premieres, previews, cult titles and two Short Film Showcases.
More Horror on Clarissa’s Corner
Explore more genre cinema and spooky discoveries in the Chill & Thrill hub and the Horror Events guide. For a look back at October 2026, browse Grimmfest 2026 and Face Your Fears 2026.
