Make the most of FilmChelt 2026
Make the Most of FilmChelt 2026
FilmChelt returns from Friday 30 October to Sunday 8 November 2026, bringing ten days of pre-release films, independent and international cinema, cult classics, family favourites, filmmaker Q&As and special events to venues across Cheltenham.
Whether you’re joining us for one must-see screening or planning to immerse yourself in the full festival, there are several ways to make sure you max out the best of this fantastic festival.
With individual tickets, discounted Festival Passes and special options for students, under-25s and unwaged audiences, we want to make sure you get the most out of this year’s festival
Become a Friend of FilmChelt
£20 for 12 months of benefits
If you’re planning to attend several FilmChelt events, or just want to support Cheltenham’s independent film festival, becoming a Friend could be the best option for you.
As a Friend of FilmChelt, you’ll receive:
- 20% off individual Festival tickets, excluding under-25/unwaged tickets
- 20% off Festival Passes
- Discounts for the Opening and Closing Night events
- 20% off year-round Cinerama screenings, with a minimum of four planned each year
- A discount for the 2026 Concert Launch event
- A limited-edition FilmChelt and DEYA tote bag
- A digital membership card with a QR code
- Membership lasting 12 months from the date of your first payment
The tote bag is available for in-person collection from the Friends Desk at Hub8 MX from 21 October and throughout the festival.
Which ticket option is right for you?
Joining us for one or two films?
Individual tickets are the simplest option if you already have a particular film or event in mind.
Explore the programme, select your screening and choose the relevant ticket type during booking. Ticket prices and available concessions are shown on each event page.
Best for: Occasional festivalgoers and anyone attending a specific film or event.
Festival Passes
Planning to see several films? A Festival Pass gives you more cinema for less and lets you build your own FilmChelt experience.
One or two films
- Perfect if you’re joining us for a film or two
5-film pass
- Best for – A carefully selected festival shortlist
10-film pass
- Best for – Making FilmChelt part of your whole week
Unlimited pass
- Best for – The complete ten-day festival experience
Go Unlimited
For the ultimate FilmChelt experience, the Unlimited Pass gives you access to as many eligible festival films as you can fit into the ten days.
The standard pass costs £160, with a special £100 under-25/unwaged price. With screenings taking place throughout the day, you could enjoy three or more films on some festival days.
Students, under-25s and unwaged audiences
We want the festival to be as accessible as possible to the next generation of film lovers.
Discounted ticket options are available for students, people aged under 25 and unwaged customers, where shown during booking. Under-25 and unwaged audiences can also access reduced Festival Pass prices:
- Five films for £30
- Ten films for £60
- Unlimited films for £100
Please select the correct ticket type when booking. You may be asked to provide valid proof of age or eligibility when entering the venue.
Please note that the Friend of FilmChelt discount does not apply to under-25/unwaged tickets, as these have already been specially reduced.
Planning Your Perfect Festival
Explore the programme
Start by browsing the full 2026 programme. Look beyond the films you already recognise: festivals are a brilliant opportunity to discover pre-release titles, international filmmaking and stories you might not otherwise encounter.
Choose your must-see films
Make a shortlist of the screenings you would be most disappointed to miss. Pre-release films, special events, Q&As and popular evening screenings may be particularly in demand, so booking early is recommended.
Check dates, times and venues
FilmChelt screenings take place across multiple Cheltenham venues. Check the location and running time of each event and allow enough time to travel between screenings.
Find your best-value option
- Seeing one or two films? Buy individual tickets.
- Chosen around five films? Get the 5-film pass.
- Planning a full festival week? The 10-film pass offers excellent value.
- Want the complete experience? Choose Unlimited.
- Attending several events throughout the year? Consider becoming a Friend.
- Under 25, a student or unwaged? Look for the discounted ticket and pass options.
Keep your tickets accessible
Your tickets and passes will be sent digitally. Keep the relevant QR codes or confirmation emails ready on your phone when you arrive. If you lose your ticket email, you can go to the View Your Tickets and Passes page on the website to get a new copy of any of your Tickets of Passes
Supporting FilmChelt
FilmChelt is a registered charity run by a team of volunteers. Every ticket, pass and membership helps us celebrate independent filmmaking, support emerging talent and bring an exciting programme of cinema to Cheltenham.
You can also make an optional donation during checkout. A suggested donation of £2 will appear, but you can choose whether to donate and adjust the amount.
Getting here
FilmChelt, Cheltenham’s annual Film Festival, 30 October to 8 November 2026, are proud to be partnering with Hub8 MX as our main venue this year.
Find us behind The Library, at the back of The Wilson Gallery and opposite Cheltenham Minster.
what3words: ///estate.start.cotton
Some of our events are being held at The Hall in St Luke’s Place, Cheltenham. This is a narrow one-way street running from St Luke’s Road to Bath Parade, half way between Bath Road and College Road.
The Hall is run by a charity independently from church structures, and a hub of the local community.
what3words: ///chat.boxing.local
Ready to Fest?
However you choose to experience FilmChelt, we can’t wait to welcome you for ten days of brilliant cinema in the heart of Cheltenham.
