The Edinburgh TV Festival is moving to Greater Manchester, paving the way for a new screen industry event in Edinburgh focused on creative collaboration.
The Edinburgh TV Festival, a cornerstone of the global television and media industry, is set to relocate to Greater Manchester starting next summer. This shift opens the door for a fresh, content-focused event in Edinburgh, designed to harness the city’s vibrant creative ecosystem.
The new event, developed in collaboration with Screen Scotland and the Fringe Society aims to unite local creatives with international media industries and audiences. Scheduled to pilot in August 2027 during Edinburgh’s summer festival season, this initiative promises to honor the original intentions of the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The Legacy of Lynda Myles and the New Keynote Debate
The new event will feature a keynote debate dedicated to Lynda Myles co-creator of the Edinburgh TV Festival and former director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Myles expressed enthusiasm for the new event’s focus on ideas and discussion, aligning with the original vision of the Edinburgh Television Festival established in 1976.
An independent consultant has been appointed to lead the development of this new event, with funding provided by Screen Scotland and delivery through the Fringe Society. This transition marks a significant evolution in Edinburgh’s role within the global screen and creative industries.
Building on Edinburgh’s Creative Ecosystem
Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan emphasized the importance of integrating the new event with Edinburgh’s existing festivals, creating a seamless experience that combines screen, book, and film industries. This approach aims to capitalize on the city’s unique ability to attract and connect talent from around the world.
David Smith director of Screen Scotland highlighted Edinburgh’s unparalleled role in fostering creativity and innovation. He noted that every August, the city becomes a hub for global talent, offering a remarkable meeting place for producers, commissioners, artists, and creative thinkers. The new event seeks to build on this concentration of talent and energy, creating something ambitious and distinctive for the global industry.
Tony Lankester chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society echoed these sentiments, stating that Edinburgh’s August festivals provide an unmatched environment for discovering new talent and ideas. He expressed excitement about exploring what a new offer could look like, particularly in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The Future of Screen Fringe
Screen Fringe a festival concierge service and events program for accredited delegates from TV and film, is expected to remain a key part of Edinburgh’s August festivals. This service will continue to offer valuable opportunities for the global screen industry to engage with the city’s creative ecosystem.
As Edinburgh prepares for this transition, the focus remains on creating a new, ambitious event that honors the city’s rich creative heritage while looking toward the future of the screen and wider creative industries.
