Three Harrogate friends who launched a pop-up festival in their spare time have revealed how it turned into one of the world's best-known horror film festivals.

The roots of Dead Northern horror and fantasy film festival, which has been voted into the top 100 global genre festivals, began in 2019 when Josh, Rick and Gareth, all members of Harrogate Round Table, set up The Harrogate Horror Film Festival.

The friends had already run several charity beer festivals, as well as the Stray fireworks, but realised there might be a gap in the market for something they all loved – horror movies.

"We fancied giving something commercial a try but on a small scale,” said Gareth, Dead Northern Festival Director who also founded the Harrogate-based Odyssey Gaming Festival.

Pictured giving a Q&A at a recent Thought Bubble Festival event are the team from Dead Northern horror film festival which was founded by three Harrogate friends. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Pictured giving a Q&A at a recent Thought Bubble Festival event are the team from Dead Northern horror film festival which was founded by three Harrogate friends. (Picture contributed)

"We shared a passion for both beer and horror movies and decided to put on a Halloween Party with classic scary movies.

"That’s how Harrogate Horror Film Festival was born.”

The first event ran as a pop-up for three days in the stunning surroundings of West Park Church and was a small but significant success.

But it wasn’t long before Josh, Rick and Gareth were thinking of bigger things and looking for a permanent home for their new event.

"In 2021 we decided that we needed to find a proper venue,” said Gareth.

"While our hearts and homes are in Harrogate, the appetite for horror in our hometown is limited.

"We thought of York. It seemed perfect being the most haunted city in the world.

"Our events fuse atmosphere and adrenaline, drawing fans into the heart of horror.

"We even have a custom horror-themed clothing range.”

From humble beginnings, Dead Northern is now based at City Screen Picturehouse in York and boasts two big-name media sponsors, Fangoria and Love Horror.

It’s not only increased the number of films and events it holds, it has also expanded the idea of what a horror film festival is and what it offers audiences.

Along the way, the three Harrogate friends have turned into genuine players in the international horror films scene – and become great supporters of local independent filmmakers.

“It’s a genuine rags-to-riches story,” said Gareth.

"But we haven’t forgotten Harrogate.

"We remain a Harrogate business and we run several horror film-related parties and pop-up events in the town each year, working with the likes of North Bar, Cold Bath Brewing Co and Starling Independent Bar.”

Dead Northern 2026 will run for three days in York from September 25-27.

Expect screen cult classics, indie gems, and underground hits in thrilling settings designed to heighten fear and excitement.

For tickets, visit: https://www.deadnorthern.co.uk/