The Romford Horror Festival is proud to unveil its highly anticipated "Retro Line-up" for the 2026 edition, taking place from 19th to 22nd February at Lumiere in Romford. While the festival remains a premier destination for world premieres and independent shorts, this year’s retro selection pays homage to the foundational masterpieces of body horror, supernatural dread, and cult eccentricity.

Between the 19th and 22nd of February, fans can expect a packed schedule of over 100 films, including a massive selection of new independent features. However, the heartbeat of this year’s festival lies in its curated retro screenings, designed to be experienced on the big screen as they were intended.

The 2026 Retro Highlights Include:

• Scanners (1981) & Rabid (1977): A double-dose of David Cronenberg. These films are essential pillars of "Body Horror," exploring the terrifying intersection of biological evolution and psychological collapse.

• Hellraiser & Hellbound: Hellraiser II: Celebrate the visceral, sadomasochistic imagination of Clive Barker. These films redefined cinematic horror by introducing the Cenobites, proving that pain and pleasure are indivisible.

• Society (1989): Brian Yuzna’s biting satire of the upper class. Famous for its surreal, "shunting" climax, it remains one of the most unique and grotesque social commentaries in horror history.

• The Monster Squad (1987): A nostalgic tribute to the "kids vs. monsters" subgenre, proving that horror can be both heart-pounding and heart-warming.

• The Visitor (1979) & Zeder (1983): For fans of the weird and the atmospheric, these selections offer a dive into psychedelic sci-fi horror and Italian supernatural mystery.

• Razorback (1984) & The Last Wave (1977): A spotlight on "Ozploitation," ranging from the relentless creature-feature thrills of a giant boar to Peter Weir’s haunting, apocalyptic dream-logic.

• Troll 2: Widely celebrated as the "best worst movie ever made," this screening promises a high-energy, interactive experience for fans of cult cinema.

• Giallo Classics: With screenings of What Have You Done to Solange? and All the Colours of the Dark, the festival honors the stylish, violent, and melodramatic Italian thriller genre that paved the way for the modern slasher.

"The Romford Horror Festival has always been about community and the shared experience of fear," says festival director Spencer Hawken. "By bringing back classics like Friday the 13th and The Little Girl who Lived Down The Lane alongside rare gems like The Cannibal Man and Holocaust 2000, we are giving fans a chance to see why these films still haunt our nightmares decades later."

In addition to the retro line-up, the four-day event will feature filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and the annual awards ceremony. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly as Romford transforms into the UK’s capital of carnage this February.

Event Details:

• What: Romford Horror Festival 2026
• When: 19th – 22nd February 2026
• Where: Lumiere, Romford
• Tickets & Full Schedule: www.romfordhorrorfestival.com



About Romford Horror Festival: Established as a cornerstone of the UK horror scene, the Romford Horror Festival celebrates the best in independent and classic genre cinema. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse programming, it provides a platform for emerging talent while honoring the legends of the genre.