PantherFest is back for 2026!

16th of May - Empire Theatre in Halstead.

Doors open - 17:00

Show starts - 17:30

PantherFest is a shortfilm festival showcasing the work of student and low budget filmmakers.

Each year we chose a different charity to raise money for through ticket sales and this years charity is The Halstead Dementia Friendly Project.

Minimum donation amount to secure your seat at PantherFest is £10

Please leave your full name, and if you’re donating more than £10 be sure to state whether the extra money is an additional donation or if you’re donating for another persons seat also. In that case please leave the full names of those you are donating for.

About The Charity:

Dementia Friendly Cinema

The Dementia Friendly Cinema is a monthly community initiative designed to bring the joy of film to people living with dementia, their carers, families, older people, and the wider community. Held every third Thursday of the month at Halstead Empire Theatre, the cinema provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy a shared cultural experience without the barriers that traditional cinema settings may pose.

Dementia Friendly Choir

Sessions are held every Wednesday 11am-12.30pm at The Empire Theatre in Halstead. Refreshments are offered during the break with an opportunity to socialise with others. Weekly sessions are free to attend, with an experienced tutor as well as support from the volunteer team.

This initiative is part of the wider ongoing project to make Halstead a dementia friendly community and plays a big role as part of the action plan that was implemented in working towards becoming dementia friendly, receiving the official accreditation in 2023.