The Edinburgh TV Festival, a staple in the broadcasting calendar for fifty years, will move to Manchester starting next year, organizers announced. The decision comes in response to 'rising costs for both organisers and attendees' in Edinburgh, with the aim of 'radically reducing costs' in the new location.
Morgan Fraser, Scottish Conservative culture spokesman, commented that the departure of the event is a 'great pity' and suggested that Scottish National Party (SNP) legislation, particularly concerning short-term lets and a visitor levy, has made Edinburgh an increasingly expensive city. He stated that the cost and difficulty of staging the festival had become 'prohibitive'.
The move follows a competitive bidding process initiated last year. Organizers selected Greater Manchester's bid, citing its commitments to affordability, infrastructure, industry partnership, and long-term growth potential. The festival, which began in Edinburgh in 1976, is now planned to be held in Manchester's St. John's creative and cultural district.
Fatima Salaria, chairwoman of the festival board, emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of a desire to leave Edinburgh but a necessary balance between the event's legacy and future opportunities. Edinburgh City Council leader Jane Meagher expressed disappointment but pride in Edinburgh's 50-year history of hosting the festival. The Scottish Government stated it had worked with partners to try and retain the event.
The final Edinburgh TV Festival is scheduled for this summer and is expected to feature over 60 keynote speakers, debates, and masterclasses. Past attendees have included notable figures such as Whoopi Goldberg, Sir David Attenborough, and Emily Maitlis, who delivered the James MacTaggart Lecture in 2022.