Tisbury's Sci-Fi Film Night to Launch Starfest 2026 Festival
Tisbury Sci-Fi Night Funds Starfest 2026 Festival

The peaceful village of Tisbury in Wiltshire is gearing up for an extraordinary evening that blends science fiction with strong community bonds. Victoria Hall will serve as the venue for a special big-screen presentation of the cherished classic film, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Scheduled to begin at 7.30pm on Friday, February 1, 2026, this event offers a night filled with laughter and awe for residents across all age groups.

Fundraising for a Galactic Festival

Every single penny generated from the evening will be dedicated to the forthcoming Starfest festival, which is set to illuminate the region in March 2026. This ambitious eight-day celebration is being orchestrated by Tisbury Parish Council in collaboration with the Cranborne Chase National Landscape International Dark Skies Reserve. By attending this film night, residents are directly contributing to a vibrant programme of music, art, and stargazing workshops planned for South-West Wiltshire.

Community and Tourism Benefits

The festival aims to raise awareness about the marvels of the dark skies above while simultaneously boosting local tourism and fostering community pride. Tickets are affordably priced at £8 for adults and £5 for children under 12, with a special family ticket available for just £20, covering two adults and two children or one adult and three children.

Event Highlights and Logistics

The evening will commence with a welcome address by Vice-Chair Jerry Mason, followed by the iconic interstellar adventure film and a fundraising raffle. A bar and snacks will be available throughout the night, with all profits from refreshments also going towards the Starfest budget. Tickets can be purchased at the hall box office on the night or by contacting Tisbury Parish Council directly.

Broader Festival Vision

Parish Council Chair Simon Davison emphasises that although Tisbury is a small village, the community's ambition for this festival is truly galactic. Starfest 2026 will eventually expand across numerous local venues, including the traditional tithe barn, the library, and the village leisure centre. Local schools, clubs, and volunteers are already being invited to participate in this mission to showcase the resilience and creativity of the rural community.

How to Get Involved

Residents are encouraged not to panic but to mark their calendars, spread the word, and help launch Starfest into orbit this February. For sponsorship opportunities and further information, contact Jerry Mason via Tisbury Parish Council.

Event at a Glance

  • What: Fundraising screening of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
  • When: Friday, 1 February 2026 (Doors open at 7pm, film starts at 7.30pm).
  • Where: Victoria Hall, High Street, Tisbury, SP3 6LD.
  • Tickets: £8 for adults, £5 for children under 12, £20 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children).
  • Contact: Jerry Mason via Tisbury Parish Council for sponsorship and additional details.