Join us on Wednesday 7 October for the international premiere of Elsinore at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.
A limited number of advance tickets are now available, ahead of public sale.
Tickets are £1,000 and will secure your place at one of the biggest nights in the BFI calendar, while supporting our work as a charity.
Begin the evening with a red carpet arrival and an exclusive reception, before taking your seat for this year’s first Gala premiere. You can be among the first to experience one of the year’s most highly-anticipated films and are invited to continue the evening at the official post-screening reception as we mark the start of this year’s festival.
BAFTA-nominated Simon Stone (The Dig) directs Elsinore, written by BAFTA winner and Golden Globe nominee Stephen Beresford (Pride). Inspired by the life of actor Ian Charleson, the film follows him as he prepares to play Hamlet at London’s National Theatre while facing incredible personal odds.
The film brings together an acclaimed ensemble cast, including Andrew Scott, Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, David Dawson, Monica Dolan, Matthew Beard, Joe Locke, Georgie Glen, Sadie Soverall, Adeel Akhtar, Dickie Beau, Kadiff Kirwan, Juliet Stevenson and Peter Mullan.
You’re doing more than securing a ticket – you’re helping the BFI champion film culture across the UK. Thank you.
Together, we can do more.
How to book
or by calling 020 7928 3232 (open from 12pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday).
More information
BFI Patrons and Members priority booking opens on Tuesday 14 July. Standard tickets for the Opening Night Gala go on sale in September, starting from £10 plus £1 booking fee (no booking fees for BFI Patrons and Members) – with £6 tickets for BFI 25 and Under.
LFF 2026 takes place 7 to 18 October in London and around the UK. The full line-up is revealed on Wednesday 2 September.
- Opening night fundraising tickets cost £1,000, with limited availability
- The Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, Wednesday 7 October 2026
- Details of the pre- and post-screening receptions will be sent separately, after fundraising tickets for the Opening Night Gala have been purchased
- All proceeds support the BFI, registered charity 287780
Terms and conditions
- Tickets are limited to 4 per person
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable
- Tickets do not include access to any red carpet photography
- By purchasing a ticket, you are agreeing to follow the rules set out in our Customer Charter