Headlining this year’s event is none other than Dardano Sacchetti, one of the great architects of Italian horror cinema. Known for writing Lucio Fulci’s The Beyond, House by the Cemetery, and Lamberto Bava’s Demons, Sacchetti makes his UK festival debut in Rhyl — a major coup for the growing event.
Joining him is Cinzia Monreale, the iconic actress behind The Beyond’s haunting central performance. Monreale’s otherworldly presence has made her a cult icon, and this marks her first appearance in North Wales.
The guest list also includes Laurence R. Harvey, best known for his deeply disturbing turn in The Human Centipede II. His performance remains one of the most talked-about in modern horror history — and he’ll be on hand for Q&As and meet-and-greets.
A Killer Line-Up of Features
Across the two-day schedule, festivalgoers will be treated to eight feature films, mixing cult classics with edgy indies and iconic anime. The centrepiece is a rare big screen presentation of the full Gates of Hell Trilogy:
- City of the Living Dead – A priest’s suicide opens the gates of hell in Fulci’s nightmarish vision.
- The Beyond – A surreal, apocalyptic horror and arguably Fulci’s finest work.
- House by the Cemetery – Undead doctors and basement horrors in this slow-burning gothic chiller.
Also screening:
- Darklands – Often dubbed the “Welsh Wicker Man,” this pagan folk horror from director Julian Richards will be introduced in person.
- The Beast of Riverside Hollow – A breakout indie horror hit, screening with a post-film Q&A featuring co-director John Williams.
- The Chainsaws Were Singing – A riotous blend of satire and splatter.
- In the Grip of Terror – An intense psychological horror that explores trauma with teeth.
- Akira – A genre-defying anime classic that still hits as hard as it did in ’88.
- Shorts-wise, over 20 films from up-and-coming directors will play throughout the weekend, offering bite-sized horror from Wales, the UK, and around the world.
Market Mayhem and DIY Horror Culture
Rhyller Thriller isn’t just about watching films — it’s about making them too. Alongside screenings, the festival will host panels, workshops, and a free horror market filled with artists, prop makers, indie authors, and creators selling everything from spooky zines to one-of-a-kind VHS shrines.
Whether you’re a die-hard Fulci fan, a budding filmmaker, or someone just looking to soak up the atmosphere, there’s something here for you. The festival’s open approach — mixing the underground with the iconic — makes it one of the most accessible horror events in the UK.
More Than Just a Festival
At its core, Rhyller Thriller is about community. What began as a passion project between friends has grown into a platform for Rhyl’s creative spirit. With support from local businesses, artists, and volunteers, the festival has become a vital cultural spark in a town too often overlooked.
“We’re not trying to be another London festival,” the team says. “We’re building a horror scene in North Wales that’s inclusive, welcoming, and proud of where it’s from.”
Get Involved
Tickets for Rhyller Thriller 3 are on sale now via Eventbrite, and organisers are encouraging people to grab them early — last year’s event sold out its limited capacity. With its intimate venue, cult star power, and love for all things eerie, this is one horror event that punches far above its weight.
So whether you’re there for Fulci’s fog-drenched nightmares or a fresh indie scare, Rhyl’s waiting. Just don’t say you weren’t warned — because this summer, there’s no more room in hell… and that’s exactly the point.
Join Rhyller Thriller this August 30th and 31st for two days of Horror Royalty!! With back to back screenings of the Gates of hell trilogy from godfather of gore Lucio Fulci, as well as 5 other features and a blood soaked bucket of short films…. This isn’t one to miss!! Tickets on sale now!
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