HALLOWEEN came early at the weekend as a film festival was held that has played a part in putting North Wales on the horror map.

Phantasmagoria Horror Film Festival screened 11 feature films and more than 20 shorts over two days.

After holding the first festival at Ty Pawb in Wrexham, the event moved to its new and future home at the George Edwards Hall in Cefn Mawr.

Phantasmagoria, and Rhyller Thriller which was launched by Chad Jones in Rhyl earlier this year, mean that North Wales is now firmly on the horror festival circuit along with Grimmfest in Manchester, FrightFest in London, and Abertoir in Aberystwyth.

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Organised by Marc and Helen Brimfield, Phantasmagoria had a "houses of horror" theme and attracted people from all over the UK.

Guests included director SJ Evan, from Kinmel Bay, who spoke about his film Dead of the Nite, starring Tony Todd, which was screened at the festival.

On Sunday, horror fans had the chance to meet actress Julie Peasgood and watch The House of Long Shadows.

Perhaps best known for Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, she appeared in the 1983 film as a young actress alongside horror icons Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Vincent Price, and John Carradine.

Also in attendance were horror author Marie Cope and Hellbound Media who are currently shooting a horror film in Wrexham, Flintshire and Rhyl.

One of the highlights was a screening of House of Horace, a horror film made by Edward Evers-Swindell with a cast and crew of friends and family.

Shot in Flintshire and Denbighshire, the movie was made to encourage the younger generation to have a passion for filmmaking. 

Edward was joined by friends Terry, Sian and Marttha Canty who spoke about their roles in the film.

After the festival, Marc said: "Against the adversity of train strikes, Covid, and a venue change, a load of fantastic people came together and had one hell of a weekend.

"I am genuinely proud of the festival and I certainly cannot wait until the third Phantasmagoria in 2024."