Party People cast reunite for premiere screening in Manchester
Manchester’s electric, chaotic history is about to hit the big screen. The cast of the riotous Madchester biopic 24 Hour Party People have reunited for a special anniversary screening in the city, bringing the legendary energy of the era back to the cinemas.
Released in 2002, the film is more than just a retrospective; it’s a vibrant exploration of Manchester’s musical explosion from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. At its heart, 24 Hour Party People captures the raw, unforgettable spirit of the Factory Records era, featuring the careers of iconic bands like the Happy Mondays and Joy Division, all viewed through the lens of Factory Records founder Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan).
The return to the big screen was launched with a special screening in Manchester that kicked off the city’s music and media industry conference, Beyond The City. The event was a vibrant gathering, featuring a Q&A session with Coogan, director Michael Winterbottom, and producer Andrew Eaton, alongside co-stars Christopher Eccleston, Paul Popplewell, Kieran O’Brien, John Thomson, and the movie’s star, Rowetta.
The excitement extended beyond the screening. The gathering showcased how music and cinema intersect, with director Michael Winterbottom reflecting on the film’s making. He noted that many actors were drawn to the project because they deeply loved the music, suggesting that the creative process felt freer when focused on music than in traditional filmmaking. Winterbottom argued that the bonding between musicians—who often grew up together—encouraged a more organic, “bottom-up” approach to storytelling, contrasting it with the often more corporate, “top-down” nature of mainstream cinema.
The spirit of disruption that defined the original film continues to inspire. Tony Wilson’s son, Oli, is credited as the mastermind behind the Beyond The City event, embodying the genuine, challenging, and healthy disruption that defined the era.
Now, the film is ready for a grand cinematic debut. A fully remastered 4K version of 24 Hour Party People will hit UK and Ireland cinemas this Friday, October 9, following a week of free independent screenings. The film will then be available digitally and on 4K UHD disc on October 26, offering fans the chance to experience this Manchester classic in stunning, restored detail.
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