TV Festival to move from Edinburgh to Manchester

The TV Festival is relocating from Edinburgh to Manchester next year after half a century.

Organisers said it was moving from the Scottish capital “amid increasing challenges around accessibility, affordability and sustainability” across the television industry.

The TV Foundation, which has run the event since 1976, praised Greater Manchester’s vision for the festival which “combined genuine creative ambition and future-facing energy”.

It said it would be able to “radically reduce” costs for delegates by moving the festival to Manchester. Edinburgh will host the event for the last time on 25-28 August.

The festival features independent debate within the television industry, with more than 60 keynotes, debates, and masterclasses.

It attracts some of the biggest names in the sector, with presenter Graham Norton, actor Michael Sheen and American comedian, writer and producer Tina Fey taking part in last year’s event.

The 2027 festival is set to take place in St John’s, Manchester’s newest creative district, with the dates yet to be confirmed.

The decision was taken by the festival’s board of directors after “an extensive consultation and competitive bidding process” was launched last year.

Campbell Glennie, chief executive of The TV Festival and The TV Foundation, a charity which supports access, inclusion and talent in the industry, said: “Greater Manchester presented a vision for the festival that combined genuine creative ambition and future-facing energy with practical accessibility and affordability for delegates.

“This means we can radically reduce the costs associated with attending the festival as well as the cost of passes.

“The city reflects the expanding ambition of the UK television industry, while still offering the scale, connectivity and unique cultural identity needed for an event of this significance; it gives us the strongest platform to grow the festival’s reach and impact in the years ahead.”

The festival team paid tribute to Edinburgh where it “established itself as one of the most influential gatherings in television”, describing the city and cultural heritage as “embedded within The TV Festival’s heart and soul”.

Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said: “Of course, we’re disappointed by this decision but are rightly proud of the role that Edinburgh has played in hosting The TV Festival over the last 50 years.

“Being the world’s festival city, Edinburgh will always be a place where creativity is welcomed and celebrated, and our ambitions for the screen sector and wider creative industries is as strong as ever.”

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