The History of Folk Horror
Mon 26 Oct · 19:00
Sheffield Students' Union
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15°C · 0% rain
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An event exploring the origins of folk horror and its links to customs and modern anxieties takes place at Sheffield Students' Union on 26 October 2026. The session is followed by a Q&A and costs between £13.50 and £32.00.
Explore the dark origins of folk horror and its connections to ancient customs, folklore and modern anxieties. Followed by Q&A.
Why are we so fascinated by old stories, strange traditions, and the idea that the past might still be hiding in the present? Folk horror often takes us to remote villages, wild landscapes and forgotten beliefs – places where ancient customs and superstition feel very real.
The genre has seen a big comeback in recent years, with new films, TV and books building on classic folk horror from the 1960s and 70s, including The Wicker Man, Witchfinder General and The Blood on Satan's Claw. These stories were inspired by older Gothic and supernatural writing, including the work of Algernon Blackwood, which drew heavily on folklore and real historical beliefs.
Join Dr Sam Le Butt as we explore how folk horror blends history, myth and imagination – and ask: where does folklore end and reality begin?
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!
Follow us on IG @seedtalks
Speaker Bio:
Dr Sam Le Butt (she/her) is a researcher, writer, and educator with a PhD in English Literature from the University of Bristol. She researches fungal horror, Gothic and sci-fi storytelling in contemporary culture, focusing on how monsters tell stories of environmental crisis. She has publications on Japanese cinema and Fungal Gothic and her debut fiction collection, Curious Woman and other Creatures, was published in 2022. She is also a collage artist and workshop facilitator.
Testimonials from our guests
⭐ Truly riveting talks, always enjoy these - a great way to spend an evening with some pals. Already looking forward to the next one. - Alexander P
⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S
⭐ Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy J
Description supplied by the event organiser.
Staying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of Sheffield Students' Union.
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Frequently asked questions
The History of Folk Horror takes place on Monday, 26 October 2026 at 19:00.
The History of Folk Horror is held at Sheffield Students' Union in Sheffield (Nelson Mandela Auditorium, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG, Sheffield).
Tickets for The History of Folk Horror range from £13.50 to £32. Live prices and availability are shown on Skiddle.
The forecast for The History of Folk Horror is Partly cloudy · 15°C.
Yes — hotels within walking distance of Sheffield Students' Union can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
Tickets for The History of Folk Horror can be booked via Skiddle using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
Editorial summaryAbout this event
An event exploring the origins of folk horror and its links to customs and modern anxieties takes place at Sheffield Students' Union on 26 October 2026. The session is followed by a Q&A and costs between £13.50 and £32.00.
This summary was automatically generated from event data sourced from official ticketing providers.
Explore the dark origins of folk horror and its connections to ancient customs, folklore and modern anxieties. Followed by Q&A.
Why are we so fascinated by old stories, strange traditions, and the idea that the past might still be hiding in the present? Folk horror often takes us to remote villages, wild landscapes and forgotten beliefs – places where ancient customs and superstition feel very real.
The genre has seen a big comeback in recent years, with new films, TV and books building on classic folk horror from the 1960s and 70s, including The Wicker Man, Witchfinder General and The Blood on Satan's Claw. These stories were inspired by older Gothic and supernatural writing, including the work of Algernon Blackwood, which drew heavily on folklore and real historical beliefs.
Join Dr Sam Le Butt as we explore how folk horror blends history, myth and imagination – and ask: where does folklore end and reality begin?
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!
Follow us on IG @seedtalks
Speaker Bio:
Dr Sam Le Butt (she/her) is a researcher, writer, and educator with a PhD in English Literature from the University of Bristol. She researches fungal horror, Gothic and sci-fi storytelling in contemporary culture, focusing on how monsters tell stories of environmental crisis. She has publications on Japanese cinema and Fungal Gothic and her debut fiction collection, Curious Woman and other Creatures, was published in 2022. She is also a collage artist and workshop facilitator.
Testimonials from our guests
⭐ Truly riveting talks, always enjoy these - a great way to spend an evening with some pals. Already looking forward to the next one. - Alexander P
⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S
⭐ Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy J
Description supplied by the event organiser.
StayStaying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of Sheffield Students' Union. Searching near Nelson Mandela Auditorium, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG, Sheffield; check-in Monday, 26 October 2026.
Ad · Stay22 affiliate link
WhereSheffield Students' Union
Nelson Mandela Auditorium, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG, Sheffield
Before you goFrequently asked questions
When is The History of Folk Horror?
The History of Folk Horror takes place on Monday, 26 October 2026 at 19:00.
Where is The History of Folk Horror taking place?
The History of Folk Horror is held at Sheffield Students' Union in Sheffield (Nelson Mandela Auditorium, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG, Sheffield).
How much are tickets for The History of Folk Horror?
Tickets for The History of Folk Horror range from £13.50 to £32. Live prices and availability are shown on Skiddle.
What will the weather be like at The History of Folk Horror?
The forecast for The History of Folk Horror is Partly cloudy · 15°C.
Is there anywhere to stay near The History of Folk Horror?
Yes — hotels within walking distance of Sheffield Students' Union can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
How do I get tickets for The History of Folk Horror?
Tickets for The History of Folk Horror can be booked via Skiddle using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
Tickets from
£13.50
Date
Time
Weather
feels like 10°C · chance of rain 0% · wind 26 km/h
Venue
Nelson Mandela Auditorium, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG, Sheffield
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