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Cary Grant Comes Home Festival 2026

The bi-annual festival takes place between 27–29 November 2026

 

The Cary Comes Home Festival is a biennial celebration of Bristol-born Hollywood legend Cary Grant. Held across venues in the city, the festival brings his remarkable story to life through classic film screenings, expert talks, live music, walking tours and special events, celebrating both his iconic film career and his enduring connection to his hometown.

Future Inn Bristol is an ideal place to stay if you're visiting the Cary Comes Home Festival. Conveniently located close to many of the festival's venues and Bristol's top attractions, our hotel offers spacious bedrooms with large Canadian-style beds, complimentary WiFi, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can also enjoy free parking, making it easy to explore the city throughout the festival. Dine at Chophouse Restaurant & Bar before or after an event, with generous breakfasts and delicious evening meals available. Book direct for our best available rates, and join Future Club Rewards for free to save up to 12% on your stay.

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Cary Grant Bristol

A biennial festival celebrating how Bristol-born Archibald Leach changed his name and his fortunes to become internationally famous film star Cary Grant, yet never forgot his Bristol roots. This year, the theme is "Class", exploring Cary Grant's incredible journey from working-class poverty to the epitome of elegance and style. Attractions will include screenings, talks and walks exploring how he turned himself into a Hollywood legend and global style icon on and off screen.

We love this article from our friends at Visit Bristol, who have put together 9 facts you never knew about Cary Grant's Bristol connections.

Cary Comes Home Festival 2026

The Cary Comes Home Festival is a unique celebration of one of Hollywood's greatest leading men and Bristol's most famous screen icon. Held every two years, the festival transforms the city into a tribute to Cary Grant, inviting film lovers to discover the places that shaped his early years and celebrate his extraordinary career.

Running from 27–29 November 2026, the festival features an exciting programme of classic film screenings, fascinating talks, guided walking tours, exhibitions, live entertainment and special events across Bristol. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Cary Grant or discovering his films for the first time, there's something for every visitor.

Many of the festival events take place in venues closely connected with Cary Grant's story or within Bristol's historic city centre. Visitors can explore locations linked to his early life, including his childhood home on Berkeley Road, see the blue plaque commemorating his birthplace, and discover how Archibald Alexander Leach, known to friends as Archie Leach, became one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

The festival also celebrates Bristol itself, encouraging visitors to explore the city's theatres, museums, harbourside and independent cafés between events. Previous festivals have included screenings at the Bristol Hippodrome, walking tours around the Clifton and Redland areas, discussions with film historians, and exhibitions exploring Cary Grant's remarkable journey from Bristol to Hollywood. The programme regularly extends to attractions around Millennium Square, making it easy to combine festival events with sightseeing.

Whether you're interested in classic cinema, Bristol's history or simply looking for a memorable weekend away, the Cary Comes Home Festival offers a fascinating insight into one of Britain's greatest film legends.

Cary Grant Facts

  • Born in Bristol: Cary Grant was born Archibald Alexander Leach on 18 January 1904 in Horfield, Bristol.
  • Local education: He attended Bishop Road Primary School before studying at Fairfield Grammar School.
  • Early home: Grant grew up in Bishopston, where visitors can still see the blue plaque marking his former family home.
  • A new identity: At the age of 16, he left Bristol to tour North America with a theatre troupe before adopting the stage name Cary Grant.
  • Family history: Visitors interested in his family story can visit the Glenside Hospital Museum, which explores the history of mental healthcare, including the experiences of his mother, Elsie Leach.
  • Hollywood legend: Cary Grant starred in more than 70 films, becoming one of the biggest stars of Hollywood's Golden Age.
  • Award-winning career: Although he was never awarded a competitive Academy Award, he received an Honorary Oscar in 1970 for his outstanding contribution to cinema.
  • World War II: During the Second World War, Cary Grant supported the Allied war effort through fundraising, bond drives and entertaining troops, rather than serving in the military.
  • Bristol connections: The Cary Comes Home Festival celebrates his lifelong connection to Bristol with film screenings, talks, exhibitions and guided walking tours around the city.
  • Lasting legacy: Cary Grant remains one of Britain's most celebrated actors, remembered for classics including North by Northwest, Charade, To Catch a Thief and His Girl Friday.
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Stay at Future Inn Bristol

Events take place in various locations around Bristol, all within easy access from the hotel.

Future Inn Bristol is a modern and comfortable hotel in Bristol city centre. It offers easy access to key attractions and vibrant areas. Alongside its excellent location, the hotel boasts spacious and airy bedrooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a desk and workspace, and a laptop safe. Guests can also enjoy added comforts such as complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, enhancing the overall experience. The biggest perk of staying at our Bristol hotel is the free parking at Cabot Circus, directly across the road from Future Inns.

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Future Club Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!

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Bristol Restaurant

Chophouse Restaurant offers a modern twist on classic dishes showcasing the best of the region's produce. From hearty breakfasts to indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike. Whether you enjoy a succulent steak, a hearty burger, or a fresh fish dish, every meal delivers bold flavours and satisfying portions.

Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Buttcombe, Bristol Harvey Cream and Bristol Rum. Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.

Those staying in the hotel have access to room service 24/7.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Cary Grant was born in Horfield, Bristol, on 18 January 1904. Born Archibald Alexander Leach, he spent his early childhood in the city before moving to the United States and becoming an internationally renowned actor.

Despite a line in The Holiday suggesting he was from Surrey, Cary Grant was actually born in Horfield, Bristol, on 18 January 1904. Born as Archibald Alexander Leach, he spent his childhood in Bristol before emigrating to the United States at the age of 16. Today, Bristol proudly celebrates its connection to the Hollywood legend through the Cary Comes Home Festival and several landmarks linked to his early life. He never owned or rented a home in Surrey, much less “came from” there.

During his childhood, Cary Grant lived on Berkeley Road in Bishopston. Visitors can still see his former family home and the nearby blue plaque celebrating his connection with the city.

As a child, he would have spoken with a Bristol accent. However, after moving to the United States, he gradually developed the distinctive transatlantic style that became famous in his films.

Cary Grant left Bristol in 1920, aged 16, when he joined a travelling theatre troupe that toured North America. He would spend the following years building a successful acting career.

Yes. Cary Grant returned to Bristol on several occasions during his lifetime, including visits to reconnect with family and to see the city where he grew up

Cary Grant was admired for his effortless charm, impeccable comic timing and versatility. During his career, Cary Grant made more than 70 feature films, becoming one of the most respected and enduring stars of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Rather than keeping a traditional regional accent, Cary Grant developed a sophisticated mid-Atlantic voice that blended British and American speech, making him instantly recognisable around the world.

Some of his best-loved films include North by Northwest, To Catch a Thief, His Girl Friday, Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, Notorious, An Affair to Remember and Charade. They showcase his range in comedy, romance and suspense.

Cary Grant appeared with Audrey Hepburn in two films: Charade (1963) and Father Goose (1964), although Hepburn did not appear in the latter. Charade remains their only film together.

Both were outstanding stars, but they excelled in different genres. Errol Flynn became famous for swashbuckling adventure films, while Cary Grant was celebrated for romantic comedies, thrillers and sophisticated dramas. Their popularity continues later through classic film audiences today.

Cary Grant died on 29 November 1986 in Davenport, Iowa.

He was 82 years old.

He died after suffering a stroke while preparing for a public appearance.

Cary Grant was approximately 6ft 2in (1.87m) tall.

Yes. Cary Grant married five times during his lifetime. His marriages included actress Virginia Cherrill, socialite Barbara Hutton and actress Dyan Cannon.

Yes. Cary Grant had one daughter, Jennifer Grant, with actress Dyan Cannon. He became a devoted father and stepped back from acting to spend more time with his family. His difficult relationship with his mother, who was institutionalised for many years, had a profound influence on his personal life.

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