TV Festival Leaves Edinburgh Behind After 50 Years, Sets Sights on Manchester
After half a century in Scotland's capital, the renowned TV Festival is heading to Manchester in 2027, driven by a push to slash costs and boost accessibility.
TV Festival Bids Farewell to Edinburgh, Embraces Manchester as Its New Home
One of the television industry's most prestigious annual gatherings is set to undergo a historic transformation. The TV Festival, a cornerstone event in the UK's broadcasting calendar, is relocating from Edinburgh to Manchester — ending a relationship with the Scottish capital that has spanned more than 50 years.
Organisers confirmed the move is scheduled to take effect in 2027, with the festival citing mounting pressures around affordability, accessibility, and sustainability as key drivers behind the decision.
Why Manchester?
The TV Foundation, which has overseen the festival since its inception in 1976, selected Greater Manchester following a thorough consultation process and a competitive bidding exercise that was launched the previous year. The city's proposal stood out for blending creative ambition with forward-thinking practicality.
Campbell Glennie, Chief Executive of The TV Festival and The TV Foundation — a charity dedicated to fostering access, inclusion, and emerging talent within the industry — explained the reasoning behind the choice.
"Greater Manchester presented a vision for the festival that combined genuine creative ambition and future-facing energy with practical accessibility and affordability for delegates," Glennie said. "This means we can radically reduce the costs associated with attending the festival as well as the cost of passes."
He added that Manchester's growth mirrors the expanding ambitions of the UK television sector, while still offering the infrastructure, connectivity, and distinctive cultural character required for an event of this scale.
A New Chapter in St John's
The 2027 festival is planned to take place in St John's, Manchester's emerging creative quarter. Specific dates are yet to be announced. The relocation is expected to make attendance significantly more affordable for industry delegates, addressing long-standing concerns about the financial burden of participating in the event.
Edinburgh's Lasting Legacy
Edinburgh will still have its moment in the spotlight, hosting the festival one final time from 25 to 28 August before the transition takes place. The festival team paid warm tribute to the city, acknowledging that Edinburgh played an instrumental role in shaping the event's identity and reputation.
"Edinburgh's culture and heritage are embedded within The TV Festival's heart and soul," organisers noted, recognising how the Scottish capital helped establish the festival as one of the most influential gatherings in the global television industry.
Edinburgh's Council Leader, Jane Meagher, acknowledged the disappointment while expressing pride in the city's storied history with the event.
"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," she said. "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."
What the Festival Offers
The TV Festival is a premier platform for independent debate, innovation, and networking within the television industry. Each year, the event draws more than 60 keynote speakers and hosts a wide range of panels, debates, and masterclasses. Past editions have attracted some of the industry's biggest names, including presenter Graham Norton, actor Michael Sheen, and acclaimed American comedian, writer, and producer Tina Fey.
