York is set to become the UK’s creative capital for five days of film, music, and immersive technology.
The BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival will take place from November 4 to 8, 2026, marking its 16th edition with a packed programme of more than 300 films and events.
Screenings and events will be hosted across cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries, and creative spaces throughout the city.
Cherie Federico, festival director, said: "Aesthetica has always been about creating a space where audiences can discover new ideas and where artists and industry can connect.
"With the city’s UNESCO status, York is fundamental to that.
"We bring together people working across film, television, music, games, technology and the wider creative industries, and give them a city in which to connect."
The 2026 programme will feature work by Aisling Bea, David Jonsson, Maxine Peake, Michael Sheen, Sally Phillips, and Stephen Fry.
The festival will host industry professionals, producers, commissioners, and audiences, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Since its launch in 2011, Aesthetica has championed emerging talent, with alumni going on to receive BAFTA and Academy Award recognition.
This year’s industry programme will include leading UK organisations such as Aardman, BBC, Film4, Framestore, ITV, Neal Street Productions, Ridley Scott Associates, and Ubisoft.
Attendees will hear from award-winning figures including director Mark Jenkin, sound designer Nina Hartstone, editor Mick Audsley, writer Neil Forsyth, and producer Brian J Falconer.
The UK Production Summit will bring together senior film and television professionals for panels, keynotes, and networking sessions.
For York’s creative community, the event represents a rare opportunity to engage with a national industry often centred in London.
Ms Federico said: "The ambition has always been bigger than a film festival.
"We want Aesthetica to be a place where the industry meets, ideas develop, and collaborations can begin.
"Bringing those conversations to York matters.
"The creative industries are not something happening somewhere else; they are happening here."
The festival also features a dedicated music programme, including the New Music Stage at York Theatre Royal on Saturday, November 7.
Ten breakthrough artists will perform across genres including indie, folk, jazz, hip-hop, alt-pop, and pop.
The Games Lab returns for its fourth edition at the National Centre for Early Music, showcasing 50 games across PC, console, and smart devices.
A VR Lab will explore immersive cinema and 360-degree storytelling.
The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO will take place at De Grey Rooms on November 5 and 6, offering workshops and talks led by York Business School at York St John University.
For families, the festival will offer workshops and screenings for children aged seven to 14 at York St John Creative Centre, covering filmmaking, acting, gaming, and stop-motion animation.
Tickets and the full programme are available at asff.co.uk.
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