Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds will host the return of Made in East Anglia, its celebration of regional film and culture, from 20 August to 5 September 2026. The film festival opens with Lady, a new film starring Sian Clifford (Fleabag) shot entirely on location at Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk, and closes with the world premiere of Once Upon a Time in Suffolk, an anthology of nine new stories drawn from fairy tales and local legend.
Live appearances
Now in its second year, the festival is presented by the independent cinema in the heart of Bury St Edmunds and supported by main sponsor Butterworth and Sons. This year’s programme features live elements, with several events featuring on-stage introductions and appearances from filmmakers and special guests.
“It gives me great delight to welcome you back to Made in East Anglia,” said Gareth Boggis, manager of Abbeygate Cinema. “Last year was a brilliant experience and a huge learning curve, but having had such wonderful feedback, it’s an event we were determined to bring back. This year sees events with live aspects taking centre stage, in some cases quite literally. It is so lovely to be able to feature some of the incredible talents this region has…”
Film festival highlights
Lady – a new film starring Sian Clifford (Fleabag), shot entirely on location at Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk, opens the festival.
World premiere: Once Upon a Time in Suffolk – closing the festival, this anthology of nine new stories draws on classic fairy tales and Suffolk legends, produced by the region’s leading creative talents. The tales are introduced by celebrated storyteller and local legend John Row, with the screening followed by a Q&A.
History of Cinema, with Pat Church – Pat Church, who has worked in cinema for 60 years, shares the history of Abbeygate Cinema in an intimate talk of stories and anecdotes, followed by a Q&A. Approx. Ticket sales go to charity.
Akenfield and The Witchfinder General – two classics with a personal connection to Pat Church, who introduces both screenings. “Both hold a personal affection for me,” says Church, “and both played a significant part in Abbeygate’s history – all will be revealed in my introduction to each screening.” Akenfield was filmed on location in the villages west of Wickham Market with a cast drawn from local residents.
Also showing
- Tim Curtis double bills – Including Life on the Deben and Fire Over Shingle Street, from acclaimed Suffolk-based independent filmmaker Tim Curtis, whose work captures the history, landscapes and human stories of East Anglia.
- Downton Abbey: A New Era – with scenes filmed in Essex and Bedfordshire.
- Suffolk Shorts – for the first time, Suffolk Shorts Film Festival brings a programme of short films from East Anglia to Abbeygate, showcasing standout talent from their 2025 festival. Expect stories that celebrate the region: animation, a “Straight 8” film made entirely in-camera, dark comedy, music, and the tale of a charity shop with a very persuasive sales technique.
- Ex Machina – with an introduction from Dr Tom McClelland, lecturer in Philosophy of Film at Cambridge University’s Department of History and Philosophy of Science, whose work explores how cinema teaches us about the world by prompting us to think and shift our perspective.
Tickets
Special festival pricing has been introduced to make the programme accessible to all. Abbeygate Cinema members can attend any screening for just £5. Full programme details and tickets are available here. 20 August–5 September
About Abbeygate Cinema
Abbeygate Cinema is an independent cinema in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, dedicated to bringing curated, thoughtful programming and a genuine sense of community to local audiences. 4 Hatter St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1LZ
This article is based on a press release provided by the Made in East Anglia Film Festival.
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