Manchester Animation Festival 2025
Join us as we host activities for the UK’s largest Animation Festival, dedicated to celebrating the animated art form. The festival brings one of the UK’s biggest animation hubs together with the international community to delight in all things animated. We’ll also have exclusive talks and signings with the MAF book club!
Mon 10 Nov, 12:30-7pm (Performance Space 1) – Animated Immersive Experiences (15) – A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Mon 10 Nov, 12:30-7.30pm (Performance Space 2) – Cartoon Saloon On Loop (12A) – Celebrating over a quarter of a century of Cartoon Saloon we will be playing selections from their short film back catalogue back to back at Manchester Central Library. See how the studio has evolved and indulge in stylishly told tales delivering messages that will stay with you forever.
Tues 11 Nov, 9:30-1pm (Performance Space 1) – Animated Immersive Experiences (15) – A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Tues 11 Nov, 1-3pm (Performance Space 1) – PRIVATE: JURY Animated Immersive Experiences – A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Tues 11 Nov, 3-7.30pm (Performance Space 1) – Animated Immersive Experiences (15) – A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Tues 11 Nov, 3.45-5.15pm (Performance Space 2) – MAF Book Club: Beryl with Joanna Quinn plus signing – Join Academy Award-nominated and multi BAFTA-winning animator Joanna Quinn for a lively celebration of her new book, Beryl. Watch a true master at work in an exhilarating live drawing session and hear the stories behind her acclaimed films. Beryl offers a fascinating look into the creative process of Joanna and writer Les Mills, packed with sketches, storyboards, artwork and riotous humour from the duo behind Affairs of the Art and Body Beautiful. This inspiring event will be followed by a signing so you can take Beryl home with you! Book tickets here: MAF Book Club: Beryl with Joanna Quinn plus signing | MAF 2025
Tues 11 Nov, 6-7.30pm (Performance Space 2) – MAF Book Club: Intimate Animation plus signing – Join Skwigly Editor in Chief Ben Mitchell and Dr. Laura-Beth Cowley for a special presentation of their new book, Intimate Animation. Explore the landscape of contemporary animated films that deal with themes of love, intimacy, relationships, anatomy and sexuality — and the incredible artists behind them. MAF Book Club: Intimate Animation plus signing | MAF 2025
Wed 12 Nov, 9.30am-7.30pm (Performance Space 1) – Animated Immersive Experiences (15) – A selection of the best in immersive animated content submitted to Manchester Animation Festival from around the world. VR and 360 films showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore.
Wed 12 Nov, 9.30am-7.30pm (Performance Space 2) – Cartoon Saloon On Loop (12A) – Celebrating over a quarter of a century of Cartoon Saloon we will be playing selections from their short film back catalogue back to back at Manchester Central Library. See how the studio has evolved and indulge in stylishly told tales delivering messages that will stay with you forever.
Free – drop in – except Tues 11 Nov events where indicated tickets needed.
For more information about the festival visit: Manchester Animation Festival 2025 | 9-13 November 2025
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
