The influential Madchester biopic '24 Hour Party People' will be shown for free in over 100 independent cinemas across the UK next month. The screenings are being held to celebrate the film's 24th anniversary.
Released in 2002, the comedy-drama chronicles Manchester's music scene from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, focusing on Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan. The film features a cast including Paddy Considine, Simon Pegg, and John Simm, alongside cameos from Manchester music figures.
The free screenings, in association with Escapes and supported by the British Film Institute (BFI), will take place between October 5 and 6. Escapes, a free cinema initiative, has seen over 250,000 tickets claimed by the public since its launch in 2024.
Earlier this week, a screening of the film was confirmed to open Manchester's Beyond The City conference on October 6. This event will be followed by a Q&A session with Steve Coogan, director Michael Winterbottom, and producer Andrew Eaton.
Coogan recently commented on the film, stating it is "the work that is closest to my heart" and captures "the creative spirit of the town I am proud to have grown up in."