Ghosts, Gore and Cosplay Galore: York Horror Fest Hits the Guildhall this Saturday
Don’t Look Behind You… York Horror Fest Is Here
York’s got ghosts in its alleyways, skeletons in its history books – and now, for the first time ever, a full-on horror convention taking over the Guildhall.
York Horror Fest is landing this Saturday and if you’re into creepy films, cult icons, sinister merch, and the odd monster in a cosplay mask, this is your day out. Think comic con, but with more blood splatter and fewer capes.
Wait – a Horror Con in York?
Yep. After successful runs in Hull and Leeds, Horror Fest is finally creeping into York’s haunted heart. Organiser John Jackson has had his eye on the city for years, and when the Guildhall became available, he jumped on it. And he’s not wrong – this is a city where the pubs are older than your grandma and half the streets already look like horror film sets after dark.
What to Expect (Other Than Jump Scares)
30+ horror-themed stalls – everything from indie horror authors and comics to gory fashion, movie merch, creepy crafts and curiosities.
Film guests – get your selfies and signatures from actors behind some of 2025’s creepiest releases:
Rachel Hurd-Wood (The First Omen, or if you’re Gen Z nostalgic, she was Wendy in Peter Pan).
Steven Murphy, who plays Popeye in the wildly cursed-sounding Popeye’s Revenge.
Martin Portlock, aka Peter Pan in Neverland Nightmare. Yes, it’s a horror film. Yes, we’re intrigued/terrified.
Cosplay welcome – vampires, scream queens, undead Disney… go full creature-feature. John says York’s already showing off a strong cosplay crowd, so expect some cracking costumes.
Cheap Thrills (Literally)
One of the best bits? Tickets are only £6 online or £7 on the door. No tenner-a-pop nonsense.
And honestly, for that price? You’d be mad not to go. Even if you’re just in it for the creepy keyrings and a selfie with horror Popeye.
The Details
The Guildhall, York
Saturday 7 June 2025
11am – 4pm
£6 online / £7 on the door
Cosplay encouraged, screams optional.
Grab your tickets and check out the full lineup at: www.horrorfestuk.co.uk
Final thought
York’s already spooky 365 days a year – but this is the day it gets properly weird, in the best possible way and as always, if you need a place to stay then just visit our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
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You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
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Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.