Scottish horror festival cancelled in tenth year as organisers say they 'are tired'

Edinburgh Horror festival, which launched in 2016 and runs over Halloween, will not take place in 2026. Organisers of the event, which also runs the Spookies awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, say they will decide whether a 2027 event will go ahead at the end of this year.

They cited personal circumstances and “the state of the arts scene” as reasons for the festival’s cancellation.

In a statement published on social media, the Edinburgh Horror Festival committee said: “A number of people have asked us what the dates for this year’s Edinburgh Horror Festival will be. So as hard as this is, we can’t put it off any longer. We are taking a hiatus from staging the Festival in 2026.

“Last year we celebrated our tenth fest, and this year is our tenth birthday so this decision was not taken lightly. But after ten years, we need a break.”

They added: “The festival is run entirely by a small group of volunteers and we all love what we do. But after the 2025 festival we realised just how much harder things felt, how much toll the work was taking, and we know we are not the only ones making this decision.

“Like so many people we are burnt out, or facing personal challenges, or health issues, and we need to take time to refocus and decide on our futures - both EHF and not. Put simply - we’re tired.”

They said monthly events at Banshee Labyrinth on Edinburgh’s Niddry Street would continue, alongside other special events - however they said a decision had not yet been reached over the future of the Spookies awards.

Horror themed events usually held during the festival include cabaret, theatre and stand up comedy.

They added: “Running an event like this is hard, but we have all gotten so much from doing so. We have been able to meet so many amazing creatives, and watch so many of them grow.

“We will still have a presence, we are not folding, or closing down. But we need some time to take stock of our lives, the world, the state of the arts scene, and most of all heal from the things the universe throws at us. Whilst we do that, stay spooky, stay safe, and above all else stay kind.”

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment over the festival’s cancellation.

Tony Sutton said: “Totally understandable. It’s a shame that it will be missing from the calendar this year. I know how much effort events take to pull together especially with volunteers. Wish you all well, look after yourselves and hopefully 2027 will bring renewed energy and more volunteers!”

Sarah Scarlet Mathieson said: “Thank you for a decade of amazing work you all do a great job and hopefully we'll see you back soon.”