BFI London Film Festival 2024: Full guide to opening gala and red carpet access

The BFI London Film Festival will have a grand start tomorrow as stars of the silver screen flock to the capital’s southbank for the opening gala.

Giving film fans a first look at upcoming releases, each year the BFI London Film Festival brings some of the most anticipated flicks of the forthcoming movie calendar to screens in the city.

This year's 11 day London event is set to boast an incredible 253 titles (comprising features, shorts, series and immersive works) which hail from 79 countries.

The festival, which will officially kick off tomorrow (October 9), will start with the opening gala which will host the world premiere of a new World War II movie set in London starring Saoirse Ronan.

Here’s everything film fans need to know about the BFI London Film Festival’s opening gala.

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Where will the BFI London Film Festival opening gala take place?

The BFI London Film Festival opening gala will take place at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. The site has been the setting of many opening galas across the event’s over six decade long history.

What is the opening film for the BFI London Film Festival?

The festival will open with the premiere of Steve McQueen’s latest project, Blitz which stars Saoirse Ronan as she plays a mother in search for her missing son amidst the bombing attacks in the UK during the second world war.

Are there still tickets for the BFI London Film Festival opening gala?

Unfortunately tickets for the opening gala event have now sold out. But film fans won't have to wait too long for Blitz to be released in cinemas. The flick will be available to watch on the big screen on November 1.

Can I just come to see the BFI London Film Festival opening gala red carpet?

Yes, but it’s first come first serve for the premiere crowd viewing areas. Red carpet events at the Southbank Centre are typically fenced off but fans wanting to watch may be able to secure a pass.

For access you’ll need a wristband which will be distributed from 9am on the day of the premiere from the audience entry point at Southbank Centre.

Wristbands will be handed out on a first come, first served basis as there are ​​a limited number available for each screening. More information is available on the BFI website.

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