The Edinburgh TV Festival has shortlisted three cities that might host the event in 2027 – Edinburgh, Greater Manchester and Newcastle.
The decision to open a bidding process to host the TV Festival was taken as part of a strategic review, focussed on finding sustainable solutions for the future of the Festival which include broadening access and affordability, expanding its reach and impact and opportunity for long term growth.
A total of eight bids were submitted from cities across the UK which were initially assessed on the capacity to scale up for long-term growth, accessibility and infrastructure, and ability to best to serve delegates and the wider industry amid major shifts across the TV sector. These bids have been whittled down to the shortlist of three, approved by the Festival board, and the team will now meet with bid organisers to discuss submissions in more detail, and further assess and interrogate aspects of each bid in a comprehensive review, with a final decision being taken later this year.
Campbell Glennie, CEO of the TV Festival and TV Foundation, said: “We are honoured to have received eight incredible bids and have been blown away by the level of enthusiasm, ingenuity and consideration each of the bidding cities brought to their submissions. It is enormously meaningful to us to see the esteem in which the Festival is clearly held and the recognition of the value an event like this can bring both culturally and financially, to a city. We want to thank everyone for the thoughtful and constructive discussions we’ve had thus far. We’re excited to enter the final phase with the shortlist of three very strong city bids and look forward to learning more as we find the most sustainable solution for the Festival to grow and truly become ‘the’ moment in the television industry calendar for years to come.”
Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “We’re proud to be known as the world’s leading festival city, and the TV Festival has been a valuable part of our cultural calendar for the past 50 years. Scheduled alongside the Edinburgh Festivals each August, TV professionals have long benefitted from the opportunity to meet and mingle while enjoying everything our beautiful city has offer – not least the largest and most diverse cultural gathering on Earth. I’m delighted by the strength of support we’ve received for our bid and hope to welcome the TV Festival back to Edinburgh where it belongs.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Being shortlisted to host the TV Festival is a real vote of confidence in Greater Manchester and the strength of our screen sector. We have the infrastructure, talent, ambition and creativity to deliver an exceptional Festival, opening a new chapter defined by the unmistakable character that only Greater Manchester can bring.
“We’ve made creative industries one of our priority growth sectors, backed by a new £10.5 million Screen Production Fund to support film and TV made here, using local talent and facilities. If Greater Manchester becomes the Festival’s home from 2027, it will bring all of that together – creating a connected, year round event that supports collaboration across the region and the UK, and helps grow a more sustainable and diverse screen industry alongside our wider ambitions for growth.”
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen said: ” We’re absolutely thrilled that the North East has been shortlisted — and the timing could not be better. The North East has tackled geographic and socio-economic disadvantage for decades but that is changing in a big way. We are a region with both credibility and huge momentum, capable of delivering a festival of national and international significance whilst ensuring a lasting legacy for our communities, emerging talent and the wider UK cultural landscape.
“Over the last few years through our North East Screen Industries Partnership work we have already delivered an incredible 131% growth in production and have ambitious plans and the investment to do so much more. We don’t want to just host the TV industry on the banks of the mighty Tyne; we want to work with the festival and our partners to invigorate it. With us, you’re not just working with a host city — you’re unlocking the power of an entire region united, energised, and ready to deliver.”
Pippa Considine
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