An international film festival is set to return with its biggest programme to date.
The Lytham International Film Festival (LYIFF) will take place from September 3 to September 6, bringing together more than 200 films from 52 countries.
This year, the festival will transform three of Lytham’s historic buildings into fully equipped cinema spaces, creating a cinematic experience rooted in the heritage of the Fylde coast.
Ed Greenberg, festival director, said: "LYIFF has always been about celebrating film with our community.
"This year we’re proud to open the doors of Lytham’s historic venues and fill them with stories from around the world.
"The festival is growing internationally, but its heart is here and connecting local audiences with global talent, whilst giving emerging Lancashire filmmakers a real foot in the door."
Screenings, filmmaker Q&As, masterclasses, and special events will all form part of the festival’s expanded programme.
The festival will take place across three landmark venues: Lytham Institute, Lytham Assembly Rooms, and Lytham Methodist Church.
Each location will be transformed into a fully immersive cinema setting with large-format projection and professional sound.
The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at The Island Cinema on Lytham’s South Promenade.
Film fans will have the opportunity to see major titles such as A Friend of Dorothy, the Oscar-nominated comedy featuring Stephen Fry and Miriam Margolyes, and The Intimacy Coordinator, a dark thriller by BAFTA-nominated director Louisa Connolly-Burnham, who will attend the festival.
Other highlights include The Healer and Grain, both from BAFTA-winning filmmaker Will Jewell and award-winning actress-filmmaker Rebecca Rose.
Both will also lead masterclasses on filmmaking and storytelling.
Industry workshops will be delivered by horror and practical VFX artist Jayson Barnard and stunt specialist Ryan Green, whose credits include major Hollywood films.
Ticket prices are £20 for an Opening Night Pass, £18 for a Day Pass, £45 for a Full Festival Pass, and £12 for individual workshops and masterclasses.
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Tickets are available at buytickets.at/lyiff/2194749 and the full programme can be viewed at lyiff.com.
The festival is organised by Lancashire Film Network CIC with support from the BFI and Film Hub North.
LYIFF was recently named Film Festival of the Year 2026 at the Manchester & North West Prestige Awards.
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