The History Of Folk Horror

If you have ever found yourself drawn to the unsettling atmosphere of films like The Wicker Man or Witchfinder General, or if you have an interest in how ancient folklore weaves its way into modern storytelling, there is a talk coming up in Brighton that might catch your attention. On May 6, 2026, the Brighthelm Church and Community Centre is hosting a session titled 'The History Of Folk Horror'. It is part of the Seed Talks series, which generally caters to an audience aged 16 and over, and it aims to break down the evolution of this specific genre.

The evening will be led by Professor Marisa Linton, who is a professor emerita of history at Kingston University. While she is widely recognised for her work on the French Revolution and the history of European witchcraft, this talk shifts the focus toward the darker corners of British culture. She plans to trace the lineage of folk horror from its roots in ancient legends and rituals through to the works of writers like M. R. James, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Bram Stoker. It is essentially a deep dive into how these uncanny themes have persisted and transformed over time.

The event is scheduled to run from 19:00 to 21:30, and the format includes a Q&A session at the end, which should allow for some discussion on the topics raised. The venue is located at 53 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD. Tickets are priced at £16.00. It is a straightforward setup: a lecture followed by a chance to ask questions, focusing on the historical and cultural context of the genre rather than just the surface-level scares. If you are looking for a bit of insight into why these stories continue to resonate, it seems like a solid way to spend an evening.