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Event Details
Welcome to the BFI London Film Festival 2026 in London
From October 7 to 18, 2026, the BFI London Film Festival celebrates its 70th edition around the Southbank Centre in London. Over ten days, the UK's biggest public film event brings more than 250 new films to the screen, many of them world or international premieres, across a wide range of venues in London and beyond.
Highlights and Attractions at the BFI London Film Festival in London
- The Opening Night Gala with the international premiere of Elsinore at the Royal Festival Hall
- The Closing Night Gala with the UK premiere of The Debut to bring the festival to a close
- Further gala screenings and award ceremonies with filmmakers from around the world
- Screenings across multiple venues including BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX
- Filmmaker talks, masterclasses and Q&A sessions with directors and cast
- LFF Expanded, showcasing immersive and experimental film formats
- Additional screenings around the country as part of LFF on Tour
Find Accommodation in London
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Program and Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The full program for this milestone anniversary is revealed on September 2, with general ticket sales opening on September 17 and BFI Members getting earlier access from September 10. Across the twelve festival days, screenings, galas and special events run in parallel, with most films shown more than once.
Tickets and Admission for the BFI London Film Festival
Standard screenings typically start from around ten British pounds plus a small booking fee, roughly 12 euros at current exchange rates. Gala screenings and in demand titles can cost considerably more, while special fundraising tickets for the Opening and Closing Night Galas are priced well above regular admission. Visitors aged 25 and under can access discounted tickets through the free BFI 25 and Under scheme. Exact prices for individual films are published alongside the full program.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in London
- BFI Southbank sits right on the south bank of the Thames and is an easy walk from Waterloo station
- Popular screenings sell out quickly, so booking as soon as general sale opens is worthwhile
- Sold out films are regularly refreshed with new tickets, and a standby queue operates on site for returns
- Accommodation around Southbank and Waterloo should be booked well ahead given high demand in October
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
