THE END is nigh. Zombies, psychopaths, werewolves and Ross Noble have been spotted committing gruesome and horrific atrocities across Manchester. Don’t hastily barricade yourself in that dark basement with no means of escape just yet though, these frightful signs signal the return of Grimmfest – Manchester’s annual festival of horror and cult films.

Famous faces making appearances across the festival include Ross Noble, BAFTA winner Adam Deacon, Reece Shearsmith (The League Of Gentlemen), Dominic Brunt (Emmerdale) and countless others.

SinisterSinisterFor the fourth annual Grimmfest the event has spread like a deadly infectious virus beyond Manchester to Stockport.

The festival begins with a spectacular opening preview night on Wednesday 3 October at the huge Stockport Plaza Cinema. The critically acclaimed ‘Sinister’ starring Ethan Hawk gets its Northern premiere as does short film ‘Dysmorphia’, followed by the gruesome ‘American Mary’.

Following the opening extravaganza in the art deco cinema the opening gala takes place at The Dancehouse Theatre, back on Oxford Road in Manchester, where the festival will remain till its close on Sunday September 7.

Opening the festival proper is a double bill of horror films out of London including the brilliantly named ‘Cockneys vs Zombies’. The cast and crew will also be holding a Q&A session after the screenings for fans who have survived the initial frightfest. Ticket holders also get entry to the opening night party at the more than appropriate venue Satan’s Hollow.

Famous faces making appearances across the festival include Ross Noble, BAFTA winner Adam Deacon, Reece Shearsmith (The League Of Gentlemen), Dominic Brunt (Emmerdale) and countless others.

Classic horror fans will also find their appetites catered for with screenings of the HD remastered Hammer classic ‘The Devil Rides Out’ on Saturday 6 October.

Full listings for the festival and tickets can be found here