Crash Festival heads top Canterbury for 2026 with industry-leading creative line-up
Connect with the people behind some of the world's biggest films, games and comics
Crash Festival Returns Bigger Than Ever for 2026 with Industry-Leading Creative Line-up
Following a sell-out debut at Ashford Cinema last summer, Crash Festival returns for 2026 bigger than ever, moving to Canterbury and more than doubling its capacity as it welcomes some of the biggest names in animation, visual effects, games, comics and design.
Taking place over 13–14 August 2026 at the Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury, Crash Festival is a two-day celebration of the creative industries, bringing together internationally renowned studios, artists and creators for an inspiring programme of talks, workshops and networking.
The expanded venue will enable even more students, aspiring creatives and industry professionals to connect with the people behind some of the world's biggest films, games and comics.
Headlining this year's festival are Framestore, whose recent work includes Spider-Man: Brand New Day and How to Train Your Dragon, alongside artists from Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the legendary visual effects studio behind The Mandalorian, Andor and Supergirl.
They are joined by acclaimed comic writer Andy Lanning (Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel and DC), legendary 2000 AD writer Gerry Finley-Day, and celebrated graphic designer Tom Muller, whose work has helped define the visual identity of Marvel's House of X.
The programme also features award-winning animation studio Golden Wolf, game design expert Gary Napper (Alien: Isolation), internationally recognised illustrator Rob Flowers, scenic artist Lauren Elizabeth Minchington, whose credits include Wes Anderson and Disney productions, motion design specialists XK Studio, Hannah Lau-Walker of Nexus Studios, Dead Nice Studio (Call of Duty), A+C Studio, and practical effects and prop makers Alfie Kilick (Barbie / Dune 2 / Ring of Power) and Lebanon Circle (Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities.)
Beyond the talks, Crash Festival offers a full day of hands-on creative experiences across four rooms, running from 11am until late. Visitors can explore an Indie Game Arcade, take part in creator workshops, browse a Creators Market showcasing independent artists and makers, and experience the Wacom Creative Zone, featuring professional drawing stations, live demonstrations and opportunities to try the latest creative technology.
Crash Festival was founded to bridge the gap between aspiring creatives and the professionals shaping today's creative industries. Whether you're interested in film, animation, visual effects, games, illustration, comics or design, the festival offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from world-leading practitioners, gain insight into their creative processes and make valuable industry connections.
Following last year's sell-out event, organisers are encouraging visitors to book early.
For tickets, the full programme and speaker updates, visit www.wearecrash.com.
