50 Years of Aardman
Cinema Rediscovered 2026
In Aardman’s 50th anniversary year, Cinema Rediscovered presents a trio of events celebrating the world-famous Bristol-based animation studio with special guests Aardman co-founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton.
Expect a rare 40th anniversary screening of Channel 4’s 1986 cult animated shorts programme Sweet Disaster which includes Babylon, directed by Lord and Sproxton (and the first project a then young aspiring animator Nick Park worked on as he joined Aardman); a deep dive into the playfully mischievous world of Morph, one of the first characters created by the studio who went on to entertain generations with his slapstick antics; and get insights into the creation of visionary musician Peter Gabriel’s iconic Sledgehammer music video featuring innovative stop-motion animation by Aardman and the Brothers Quay.
Cracking Exhibition, Gromit! 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol is on at M Shed until 13 September 2026. Get 15% off the exhibition by showing your Watershed tickets from one of the 50 Years of Aardman screenings at the M Shed Box Office. Exhibition ticket holders get 15% off any of the 50 Years of Aardman programme at Watershed - just show your ticket at Watershed Box Office.
Upcoming screenings in this season
Peter Gabriel: Sledgehammer Revealed
classified 18 (CTBA) 50 Years of Aardman
Get insights into the creation of the Peter Gabriel’s award-winning Sledgehammer music video featuring innovative stop-motion animation by Aardman and the Brothers Quay.
Sweet Disasters
classified 18 (CTBA) 50 Years of Aardman
Join Aardman’s co-founders David Sproxton and Peter Lord for a rare 40th anniversary screening of Channel 4’s 1986 cult animated shorts programme Sweet Disaster which includes their rarely screened Babylon, amongst other bold experimental work from Aardman alumni and beyond.
50 Years of Morph
classified 18 (CTBA) 50 Years of Aardman
Join Aardman co-founders David Sproxton and Peter Lord for a deep dive into the world of Morph, one of the first characters created by the Bristol based studio, who would go on to entertain generations with his slapstick antics.
Individual events and screenings unless otherwise stated:
£12.00 full (plus 12% booking fee*)
£9.50 concessions / Refugees and Asylum Seekers (plus 12% booking fee*)
£6.50 24 or under (plus 12% booking fee*)
Concessions apply to Full Time Students, Job Seekers Allowance and Employment Support Allowance, 66+ who have retired, Equity and BECTU members and disabled people. Where applicable please produce proof of eligibility when collecting a ticket.
*Booking fee applies to online and phone booking only.
Complimentary tickets are available for Personal Assistants accompanying customers who are Deaf / Disabled and can be booked through the Box Office, or online after joining our Access Register.
Cinema Rediscovered Festival Pass
The Cinema Rediscovered Pass allows you to select from 60+ Cinema Rediscovered screenings and events between Wed 22 - Sun 26 July. Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply. Buy your Pass here. Pass holders get 25% off monthly or annual subscriptions to streaming platform Cinelogue.
Pass prices: £130 full / £100 concessions / £80 24 and under.
Multi-Ticket Package Offer
Get 15% off the regular ticket price when you book 4-10 Cinema Rediscovered screenings and/or events. The discount will automatically apply when you add the tickets to your basket.
Club Shed members get 15% off all individual Cinema Rediscovered tickets.
All Cinema Rediscovered Pass and ticket holders can get 20% off any 6 O'Clock Gin & Tonic (including Watershed’s very own) at the Café & Bar and Undershed Bar during the Festival. Pass and ticket holders can also enjoy 20% off Wiper and True draught products after 20:00 at the Café & Bar and Undershed Bar during the Festival.
Please note: the Cinema Walks, Projection Tours, Improv Workshops, Family Workshops and the Film Quiz are excluded from the Pass and Package.