Steve Coogan's cult music biopic 24 Hour Party People is set to return to the big screen in Blackburn and Burnley 24 years after its release, with free screenings planned at both towns' Reel Cinemas.
The film, which chronicles the rise of the Madchester scene and Factory Records, will be shown on October 5 and 6.
The screenings are part of Escapes, a nationwide cinema initiative supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery Good Cause Funding, which offers monthly free screenings to audiences across the country.
A spokesperson for Escapes said: "Escapes is a nationwide free cinema initiative on a mission to bring cinema to all by hosting more than 100 free cinema screenings every month.
"The initiative is designed to make cinema more accessible, celebrate independent cinemas and bring new audiences to local venues.
"Every month, Escapes gives away free cinema tickets in over 100 locations across the UK.
"Since its launch in 2024, over 250,000 free cinema tickets have been claimed."
Named by The Guardian as one of the 100 best films of the 21st century, 24 Hour Party People tells the story of the Madchester music scene through the eyes of Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan.
Tony Wilson was the music mogul who signed Joy Division and the Happy Mondays and went on to set up Factory Records.
Directed by Michael Winterbottom and written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the film features a star-studded cast including Andy Serkis, John Simm, Paddy Considine, Peter Kay, Rob Brydon, Simon Pegg, Lennie James, and Shirley Henderson.
Set between 1976 and 1992, the film includes cameos from music legends such as Rowetta and Paul Ryder of the Happy Mondays, Mark E. Smith of The Fall, Mani of The Stone Roses, Clint Boon of Inspiral Carpets, and Haçienda DJs Mike Pickering and Dave Haslam.
Read more
Between Manchester and Formby is a lovely village with walks and 5 Michelin stars
Classic the shire horse leaving Thwaites brewery for final time on retirement
Lancashire university falls 13 places in latest Guardian university rankings
It chronicles the chaotic and creative energy of a scene that changed the face of British music and nightlife forever.
The free screenings will give audiences the chance to see the film in cinemas ahead of its theatrical re-release in the UK and Ireland on October 9, through Altitude.
Tickets for the free screenings are available now through escapetothecinema.co.uk.
Share