RHYL'S cult‑favourite horror festival is back — and this summer’s Rhyller Thriller 4 is already shaping up to be its most ambitious, most atmospheric and most terrifying outing so far.
Running across three days from July 31 to August 2, 2026, the festival will once again bring fans together for a packed programme of classic chillers, new indie talent and spine‑tingling special events.
Now firmly established as a highlight of North Wales’ cultural calendar, the festival has grown year on year under the stewardship of organisers Chad Jones and Tomos Rowlands.
What began as a small gathering of local horror enthusiasts has evolved into a thriving community event, drawing fans from across the region to celebrate everything from cult slashers to folk‑horror oddities.
This year, the festival moves to the atmospheric Rhyl Little Theatre, a fittingly intimate venue for three days of frights, film and fandom. And the first guest announcement has already sent a jolt of excitement through the horror community.
Rhyller Thriller 4 will welcome Geoff Portass, the legendary makeup artist behind some of the genre’s most iconic creations — including the unforgettable Lead Cenobite “Pinhead” in Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II. Portass’ career spans an extraordinary range of cult classics, with credits on Highlander, Nightbreed, Lifeforce, and Lair of the White Worm. His appearance promises rare behind‑the‑scenes insight into some of horror’s most enduring imagery.
Fans can also look forward to screenings of Hellbound: Hellraiser II, Pet Sematary, and Robert Eggers’ acclaimed folk‑horror The Witch. Alongside the classics, the festival will showcase new independent films, short films, and a dedicated celebration of Welsh folk horror, spotlighting the region’s own eerie storytelling traditions.
- Tickets available here
Tomos said the excitement behind the scenes has been building for months.
He said: “Planning for Rhyller Thriller 4 has been an absolute joy this year. Chad and I have really found our rhythm, and there’s a real sense of excitement building around what we’re creating. The support we’ve had so far has been incredible, and it’s only pushed us to make this year bigger and better.
“We’re especially thrilled to be welcoming Geoff Portass. It’s a real honour to have someone with his experience and creativity joining us, and we know fans are going to love hearing from him.
“We’re hoping to announce even more guests very soon… We genuinely can’t wait to bring everyone together again — it’s shaping up to be something really special.”**
Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, with organisers encouraging fans to follow the festival on social media for updates.
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