We’re delighted to reveal the full programme for Cary Comes Home 2026, returning to Bristol from 27-29 November for three themed days celebrating the life, career and enduring appeal of Bristol’s most famous Hollywood star.
This year’s theme, Cary On The Go, follows Cary Grant’s journey across seas, skies and continents, and from his very first screen appearance to his final film. Across the weekend, audiences can enjoy twelve screenings, expert introductions, discussions, live music, community activities and a special festival edition of Show of Strength’s acclaimed From Bristol to Hollywood walking tour.
Friday: Cary on the Water
Our opening day explores submarines, tropical islands and houseboats through four of Grant’s most charming films. Highlights include the wartime comedy Operation Petticoat, the knitting classic Mr Lucky, the Oscar-winning Father Goose and the romantic favourite Houseboat opposite Sophia Loren.
Saturday: Cary Takes Flight
Saturday celebrates aviation, adventure and Cary Grant’s collaboration with legendary director Howard Hawks. The programme traces Grant’s journey from rising star to Hollywood icon, featuring the early aviation dramas The Eagle and the Hawk and Wings in the Dark, the screwball comedy I Was a Male War Bride and a gala screening of Hawks’s masterpiece Only Angels Have Wings.
Sunday: Cary Goes East
The festival’s final day explores Hollywood’s shifting representations of East and South East Asia through films spanning almost the entirety of Grant’s screen career. Beginning with Singapore Sue, Grant’s first screen appearance, the day also includes Destination Tokyo, Madame Butterfly and concludes with Walk, Don’t Run (1966), screened on the 40th anniversary of Grant’s death.
Special guests include Dr Xin Peng (University of Cambridge), who recently curated the BFI’s Anna May Wong season, alongside Monica Wat and Flora Sulit from Made on the Moon, helping to place these films within their wider historical and cultural contexts.
Festival Passes, Day Passes and Tickets Now Available
Festival Passes remain the best value way to experience the entire weekend, but Day Passes and individual tickets are now on sale for those who wish to join us for a single day or event.
Whether you’re a lifelong Cary Grant devotee or discovering his films for the first time, Cary Comes Home offers a unique opportunity to experience romance, comedy, adventure and Hollywood history in the city where Archibald Leach began his remarkable journey.
From Bristol to Tokyo, from submarines to seaplanes, join us for three themed days celebrating the romance, adventure and enduring magic of Cary Grant.
Visit the festival website to explore the full programme and book tickets.
Tickets
Full Festival Pass, ONLY £80
Day Passes, ONLY £30
Individual Tickets, £8.50/£5.00 Concessions
