In the 'wake' of last year's event, The Halifax Ghost Story Festival was supposed to 'cross over to the other side' for a year... but the fans wouldn't let it lie. So, for one day only, we're offering an ALT. festival - combining discussions and screenings for those of us who aren't scared enough...

Apart from the legendary Arthur Machen, there's a touch of reality in this year's offerings. Highlights include two quietly terrifying British films:

THREE MILES UP stars Douglas Henshall and is directed by Lesley Manning (well known for the landmark TV experience Ghostwatch).

Three Miles Up is based on the Elizabeth Jane Howard story, in which two brothers embark on the canal holiday from hell.

URBAN GHOST STORY, described by Variety magazine as "Ken Loach meets the Exorcist" features classic psychological horror set in a 1990s Glasgow high rise. Starring Jason Connery and the impressive youngster, Heather Ann Foster.

Ashley Thorpe's hugely enjoyable contemporary short film, THE HAIRY HANDS, combines animation, film and a thorough love of the genre to reinvent an urban legend.

See full programme below.

Festival ticket: £10 (£8.00 concs) for ALL events (1.30pm-10pm)

Those who ONLY want to attend the 8.00pm screening of URBAN GHOST STORY can buy a separate ticket: £6.00 (£4.00 concs)

(concessions include members of Equity, Musicians Union and Writers Guild)

PROGRAMME

• 1.30pm-2pm: Reggie Oliver reads "Ritual" by Arthur Machen

• 2pm-2.30pm: Panel discussion on Arthur Machen chaired by Mark Valentine, with Gwylim Games

• 2.30pm-2.50pm: Short Film: Mark Goodall introduces his adaptation of THE HAPPY CHILDREN by Arthur Machen

Break for drinks and snacks

• 3.15pm-4pm: Panel discussion: Pushing the Boundaries of the Ghost Story, with Nicholas Royle, John Llewellyn Probert and Chris Maloney

• 4pm-4.50pm: Film: Introduction by Ray Russell and screening of THREE MILES UP by Elizabeth Jane Howard (dir. Lesley Manning)

• 5pm-5.55pm: Film: screening of THE HOSPICE by Robert Aickman (dir. Dominique Othenin-Girard)

• 5.55pm-6.15pm: General discussion about the festival and the programme for next year

• 6.15-6.30pm: Screening of short film by Ashley Thorpe (THE HAIRY HANDS: urban legend meets road movie)

Break

• 8pm-10pm: Film: URBAN GHOST STORY (dir. Genevieve Joliffe) "Ken Loach meets the Exorcist" (Variety)

BOOKINGS: 01422 255 266 or www.deanclough.com