BFI London Film Festival 2026 – Dates, Locations, Timings and What to Expect

The BFI London Film Festival (LFF) is one of the UK's biggest and most internationally recognised film festivals, bringing together filmmakers, actors, industry professionals and film lovers for almost two weeks of cinema across London.

The 70th BFI London Film Festival takes place from 7 to 18 October 2026, featuring premieres, new international films, documentaries, short films, talks and special events.

When is the BFI London Film Festival 2026?

The 2026 festival runs for 12 days, from:

7 October – 18 October 2026

The festival begins with its opening-night presentation on 7 October and concludes with its closing-night event on 18 October.

Throughout the festival, visitors can attend individual film screenings, premieres, filmmaker conversations, Screen Talks and other special events.

Where is the BFI London Film Festival held?

Although the festival is centred around London, screenings and events take place at several cinemas and cultural venues across the city.

Major venues include:

• BFI Southbank
• BFI IMAX
• Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre
• Vue West End
• Curzon Soho
• Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
• Prince Charles Cinema
• Picturehouse Central

Selected festival activity is also available through partner cinemas in cities around the UK.

What time do screenings start?

There is no single festival-wide start time. Each film and event has its own scheduled screening time.

Depending on the programme, screenings can take place during the morning, afternoon and evening. Special events and Screen Talks may also have separate start times.

For example, some announced 2026 events have screening times such as 11:30, 15:30, 17:30 and 21:00.

Visitors should check the official programme for the exact film, date, venue and screening time before travelling.

What can you see at the festival?

The BFI London Film Festival offers a wide range of cinema and events, including:

• International feature films
• UK and world premieres
• Documentaries
• Short films
• Independent cinema
• Special presentations
• Screen Talks and filmmaker discussions
• Gala screenings
• Industry events
• Special and immersive projects

The festival provides an opportunity to discover new films as well as attend events featuring filmmakers and other figures from the film industry.

BFI London Film Festival tickets

Tickets are available for individual screenings and events, with prices varying depending on the film, venue and type of event.

There are also ticket options and concessions for eligible audiences, including discounted tickets for people aged 16–25 on selected screenings.

Because popular screenings can sell out, visitors should check the official BFI programme and ticketing pages before planning their visit.

Plan your visit

If you're planning to attend the BFI London Film Festival, it's worth checking the programme in advance and making a note of:

Date: 7–18 October 2026

Location: Multiple venues across London

Screening times: Vary by film and event

Tickets: Available through the official BFI London Film Festival programme

Main festival area: South Bank and central London

Whether you're interested in major premieres, independent films, documentaries or conversations with filmmakers, the BFI London Film Festival offers plenty of opportunities to experience new cinema in London.

Official programme and tickets

For the latest film listings, screening times, venues and ticket availability, check the official BFI London Film Festival website, as schedules and availability can change during the festival.