About Dead Northern -
Celebrating the Chilling Thrills of Horror Since 2019
Dead Northern Horror Film Festival is an independent festival created by horror fans, for horror fans. Our mission is to champion independent filmmakers worldwide while shining a spotlight on Northern talent, offering them the prestige of screening their work at a premium festival. From showcasing global premieres to screening big-budget productions and classic favourites, Dead Northern brings the best of horror to the big screen.
Independent Filmmakers
At Dead Northern, we pride ourselves on providing a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their creativity and dedication. Whether it's a world premiere or a local Northern masterpiece, every film screened at our festival receives the recognition it deserves. By blending the passion of grassroots creators with the excitement of global horror, we aim to create an inclusive, high-calibre event that celebrates the diverse art of filmmaking.
Unique Festival Experiences
Dead Northern goes beyond the cinema, creating a full festival experience filled with unforgettable live events. From eerie seances in a cinema to chilling campfire ghost stories, live music, and dynamic performances, our programme offers thrills you won't find anywhere else. Horror fans can enjoy music videos, entertainers, and even a vibrant festival atmosphere with great food and drink—all designed to immerse you in the essence of horror.
A Community for All
Our ethos is simple: leave egos at the door and embrace the joy of horror. Dead Northern welcomes fans, filmmakers, newcomers, and veterans alike to come together, make friends, and share memorable moments. Whether you're attending our main event or a pop-up session, you'll find an inclusive, welcoming space in the world's most haunted city. It's all about entertainment, connection, and the love of horror.
The Beginning: A Spark of Inspiration
Dead Northern is the brainchild of festival directors Josh, Rick, and Gareth, whose collective experience spans charity events attracting tens of thousands of visitors, multi-day music festivals, and beer festivals. The roots of Dead Northern can be traced back to the aftermath of one such beer festival—a moment when the idea of merging the joy of events with the chilling thrill of horror began to take shape. With beer festivals, live music, and awe-inspiring fireworks in their DNA, the seed of a horror film festival was planted.
2020: Expanding Horizons
Dead Northern added a unique twist to horror by hosting its first Valentine's event—a candlelit screening of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. Set in Harrogate's Cold Bath Brewery, the event included a three-course dinner, burlesque performances, and live magic and mentalism, redefining how horror could be celebrated.
Later that year, the festival relocated to The Crown Hotel, showcasing both classic horror films (Host, Dawn of the Dead, Hellraiser) and independent global talent (Ten Minutes to Midnight, Danni and the Vampire). Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Dead Northern innovated with socially distanced private screenings featuring sofa seating and table service. Highlights included the UK premiere of In Search of Darkness at Harrogate's Everyman Cinema and a drive-in event at Ripon Racecourse.
2021: The Move to York
With the festival's growth outpacing its pop-up roots, Dead Northern moved to the historic city of York, known for its rich Viking and ghostly history. The Picturehouse City Screen became its new home, hosting a stellar line-up that included An American Werewolf in London, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Zomblogalypse. The festival now featured live awards, music, entertainers, and after-parties, further cementing its reputation.
That year also saw the return of Valentine's horror with a seance dinner in a masonic lodge, blending live storytelling, paranormal entertainment, and a touch of culinary delight. The festival continued to innovate with its Friday the 13th pop-up cinema at Harrogate's North Bar.
2022: Building Momentum
Returning to York's City Screen, Dead Northern introduced new live events like "Dead Talks" with the Independent Horror Society and "Spirits with Spirits," where attendees sipped warming drinks around a recreated campfire, sharing ghost stories. These unique events solidified its place as a festival unlike any other.
2023: Spooky and Spectacular
The year kicked off with another Friday the 13th filmmaker networking social and the infamous My Bloody Valentine: The Ouija event, which brought chills to Harrogate's historic Yorkshire Hotel. Back at City Screen, highlights included indie talent (Haunted Ulster Live, Isaac, Free Spirits), the return of "Spirits with Spirits" sponsored by Sinners Gin, and the debut of the "Merch Dungeon" in the cinema's basement.
2024: A Year of Growth
2024 marked Dead Northern's biggest festival yet, expanding its presence in York to include the Picturehouse and Revolutions Bar. Highlights included world premieres of Fear Cabin, Lake Jessup, and Stickman's Hollow. The festival also introduced panel talks with special guest Jed Shepherd and a vibrant mix of music and even horror-themed bingo. The year ended with a festive pop-up screening of Black Christmas and Tales from the Crypt at Harrogate's Starling Bar.
2025 and Beyond: A Bright Future
Kicking off 2025 with a screening of the original My Bloody Valentine, Dead Northern is already gearing up for its upcoming festival and more pop-up events. With a strong vision and loyal following, the future of horror looks bright for Dead Northern.
Meet the Team
From Left to Right: Josh, Gareth, Rick & Dave.
Celebrating at Dead Northern Film Festival Part V (2024)
At Revolutions, York, England
