There is a full programme of silent films making up the in person festival from 18 to 22 March, and the online festival which has a viewing window from 30 March to 6 April.
But, HippFest has more strings to its bow than just silent movies. Audiences can take part in other activities during the festival.
Here are our choices:
Before the festival begins enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the cinema on 7 March from 5pm to 6pm. (repeated during the festival on 19 March from 10.30 to 11.30am) This is the country’s oldest purpose built cinema designed by architect Matthew Steele. Discover some of the mysteries of the building and visit the projection box. The tour includes a 15 minute film.
After the opening night film on 18 March, Rasmus Breistein’s Norwegian feature film Fante-Anne, there will be a folk and club night. Audiences are invited to a Folkemølje at Linlithgow Burgh Halls, a no-pressure dance workshop and club night where folk music meets club culture. 18 March 9.15pm to 11.15pm.
Audiences can learn more about Art Deco at the HippFest Exhibition, Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age from 21 February – 25 April curated by Professor Bruce Peter who will also lead the Walking Tour – Art Deco Bo’ness which will include a visit to the Gresley Buffet Car at the heritage railway. Tour takes place on 22 March from 12.00pm to 1.30pm. Meet outside the Hippodrome.
At the Charleston Workshop participants will be taken back to the Roaring Twenties a century ago with a dance masterclass led by professional dancer, Rowan Mitchell. On 22 March from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Bo’ness Library.
Foreshore Fragments on 21 March from 10.30am until 1.30pm will be led by artist, Eva Jack, in a hands on walking workshop on the foreshore in Bo’ness. Expect to find remnants of the town’s industrial past with pieces of pottery or glass. There will be time for a creative response to what is found, exploring the way that industry shaped the ever-shifting shoreline. Dress for the outdoors.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “HippFest continues to bring clear benefits to Bo’ness and the wider area, attracting visitors to the area and supporting the town centre during the Festival week. It also plays an important role in raising the profile of the Hippodrome as a nationally recognised cultural venue.
“The 2026 programme reflects the Festival’s strong reputation for quality and international collaboration, while remaining firmly rooted in place. It shows how well-run cultural events can support local communities and offer distinctive experiences for residents and visitors alike as well as boosting the local economy.”
The 16th edition of HippFest will take place in and around the Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness, 18 – 22 March 2026.
Tickets are on sale with the HippFest Festival Passes starting from £66. A Digital Festival Pass is also available for the online Festival, HippFest at Home, with an extended 7-day viewing window 30 March – 6 April 2026.
To book your place at HippFest and to sign up for updates from the Festival, visit hippodromecinema.co.uk/hippfest/
The festival is a Falkirk Council project, and is supported by Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland, with additional support from National Lottery funding through Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network.
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