Ticket sales up 11% on 2024 including significant rise in first time buyers
Footfall increased by 60% with 25,000 visitors in a single weekend
Library streaming service resounding success with 41 libraries in 12 local authorities tuning in, for free, for over 90 ‘watch parties’
Digital reach saw audiences in 63 countries, ranging from Japan to The Vatican, join online, expanding global audience reach
Female Scottish authors and independent publishers topped the Waterstones bestseller lists, alongside event led hits like Katabasis by R. F. Kuang and Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir, Frankly
New Kids’ Zone gets seal of approval from thousands of young people and families, with Princess the Unicorn, Bunny Vs Monkey, Supertato and Pikachu inspiring future generations of readers
This year’s children’s programme featured multiple sold-out events and a world premiere from Julia Donaldson’s Paper Chase.
Edinburgh International Book Festival has wrapped up a landmark year, celebrating a two-week long ‘Repair’ themed programme of events for all ages and interests, that saw conversations of global significance take place on stage, and connected with existing audiences while welcoming a whole new generation of readers.
The 2025 festival, which hosted over 650 authors and nearly 700 events saw a remarkable 11% increase in ticket sales over the previous year, with record numbers of people enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
The festival’s new home at EFI proved a major draw with the courtyard welcoming over 25,000 visitors in a single weekend and a whopping 161,889 people in total, an increase of 60% compared to 2024, an unquestionable sign it’s settled into its new, permanent home.
This surge in footfall, combined with a significant rise in first-time bookers, shows the festival’s success in reaching new audiences and capitalising on its new location right at the heart of the Edinburgh Festivals footprint.
This was evident not least in the newly increased and re-targeted YA programme, which proved a resounding success, hitting its mark with readers 30 and under, solidifying the festival’s appeal to the next generation of literary enthusiasts.
Once again, The Front List strand of events, which increased from eleven to fifteen in 2025, were packed out with over 12,000 people turning up in person at McEwan Hall to hear from writers including literary titans Ian McEwan and Maggie O’Farrell, contemporary phenomena Asuko Yuzuki and R F Kuang, political heavyweights Yulia Navalnaya and Nicola Sturgeon, and even the celebrity co-creator of beloved sitcom Gavin and Stacey, Ruth Jones.
This year also marked a cornerstone moment for Scottish independent publishers and female writers. The bestseller list was topped by standout titles from Scottish women including Mairi Kidd’sThe Specimens, and event led titles including Katabasis by R. F. Kuang and Nicola Sturgeon’s Frankly.
Beyond the physical site, the festival’s digital reach expanded dramatically, connecting communities across 12 local authority areas by streaming events, free of charge, into over 40 libraries, which in turn hosted over 90 ‘watch parties’, as part of the newly launched Paper Trails initiative.
In addition, a global audience of almost 19,000 from 63 countries across five continents tuned in for streamed events, proving the festival’s ability to foster conversations that transcend geographical boundaries. And with events available for the rest of the year, and more to be added on an on-demand basis in Autumn, global audiences have lots more coming to enjoy.
This year’s program was defined by timely and important discussions that reflected a public hunger for considered, informed conversations on global issues. Sold-out events like the discussion with prominent Israeli historians Ilan Pappé and Avi Shlaim on the history of Israel and Palestine, a conversation between renowned journalists Lindsey Hilsum and Edward Wong, and several events looking at the impact of AI on literature and the arts more widely, exemplified this trend.
These events drew large audiences and sparked meaningful dialogue on topics of international significance, underlining the festival’s role in generating constructive in person conversations.
The brand new, dedicated Kids’ Zone was also a resounding success, providing a comfortable environment for families to relax and have fun for free, and complementing the children’s programme with unmissable opportunities to meet the Gruffalo, Pikachu and Supertato – and also, for the first time in book festival history, the real-life Princess the Unicorn.
Hosting just some of the sold-out events in the Children and Families programme were Julia Donaldson, who attended with her world premiere of Paper Chase, Cressida Cowellwho hosted a record-breaking back-to-back signing, ensuring hundreds of young people left with a memory that will last a lifetime, and the iconic Michael Rosen.
The festival’s continued growth in both physical attendance and online engagement demonstrates its enduring relevance, and by providing a space for a diverse range of voices and fostering conversations that matter, it continues to thrive and align with its audiences in both its fun-filled programming and its considered approach to conversations of global significance.
Repair Café at the Edinburgh International Book Festival tomorrow!
This Saturday, Repair Café will be making a special appearance at Edinburgh Book Festival, as part of this year’s theme ‘Repair’
If you have any mechanical, electronic or fabric items you think could be repaired but you’re not sure where to start, this is the perfect place to try your hand at fixing them under the guidance of our very knowledgeable volunteers.
Simply book your free ticket and send us an email about the items you wish to bring along and your preferred time! And don’t forget to share with your friends and spread the message of Repair!
FREE EXHIBITION AT EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
The Gallery, Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
Last year, through our Words from the Wards project, we asked the people of Edinburgh to share stories about the former Royal Infirmary, to honour the experiences and memories that people connect with the building’s previous life.
Following the success of the project, we worked with Edinburgh College of Art students to illustrate the collected stories.
Join us to view the stories and illustrations side by side in our new festival gallery.
The Gallery, Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
Exhibition runs until 17th August from 10am – 9pmdaily
Smart Data Foundry (SDF) has been awarded £3 million funding to operate a new Financial Data Service, enabling more researchers to study the financial health of millions of households across the UK, by providing secure access to financial behaviours, economic resilience, and regional economic activity.
The funding is made by Smart Data Research UK, which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The new service, which will operate from SDF’s base at Edinburgh Futures Institute, will be part of a network of five other data services across the country.
Together, they will put the UK at the forefront of smart data research and innovation. Providing safe and efficient ways for researchers to access and use the smart data generated through everyday interactions with the digital world, including via mobile apps, navigation systems, social media and shopping.
Led by SDF’s Dougie Robb and Professor Chris Dibben from the University of Edinburgh, the new Financial Data Service will provide unprecedented insights into the economic health of the UK through secure access to de-identified banking and finance data from millions of households and businesses.
Since its establishment in 2022, SDF has earned national recognition for its work using anonymised financial data for public good, including research in partnership with NatWest Group into how Covid-19 affected how people earned, spent and saved during and post pandemic and its work with Sage and CEBR on their quarterly SME tracker.
Dougie Robb, SDF’s Interim CEO, said: “We look forward to joining five of the most forward-thinking data service organisations in the UK in this groundbreaking network. It will foster data sharing partnerships between academia, public institutions and private enterprise leading to public good outcomes which will improve the lives of people across the UK.
“In partnership with the University of Edinburgh (UoE) we’ve made great progress in holding and making available for public benefit research financial data resources. We have forged fruitful data partnerships with NatWest Group, Virgin Money, SAGE, and Equifax, and built a team of transdisciplinary experts with expertise across finance, banking, digital technology, product, data science, and information governance.”
Professor Chris Dibben added: “Understanding the financial situation of households across the UK is a vitally important for social and economic research. However this key aspect of economic life is often poorly measured in our research datasets or even absent.
“This investment by Smart Data Research UK in a Financial Data Service will allow us to change this situation, enabling more public benefit social and economic policy research. I am really excited to be working with Smart Data Foundry and SDR UK to deliver this significant new resource over the next three years.”
By partnering with financial institutions and leading research institutes, the new Financial Data Service will deliver insights into productivity, prosperity and health and wellbeing, providing access to detailed evidence about financial behaviours, economic resilience, and regional economic activity.
This data will enable researchers to tackle urgent policy challenges including the cost-of-living crisis, financial inclusion, the changing nature of employment, and productivity in different economic sectors and geographic places.
The service will enable a transformation in the UK’s understanding of how economic shocks and policy interventions affect different communities, helping policymakers design more targeted and effective responses to economic challenges.
Magdalena Getler, Head of Academic Engagement at Smart Data Foundry, said: “With the new Data (Use and Access) Bill currently going through Parliament, we are at the beginning of a new age for data.
“If successful, the new legislation will empower safe data use, access, and sharing for the good of society like tackling challenges such as the impacts of poverty and economic inactivity.”
Also awarded funding in this latest tranche was Smart Energy Data Service, part of the Energy Systems Catapult. All six will work collaboratively as part of the Smart Data Research UK programme.
These two new data services join four others previously announced:
· Imagery Data Service (Imago)
· Smart Data Donation Service
· Geographic Data Service
· Healthy and Sustainable Places Data Service
A strategic hub based within the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) will provide leadership and coordination. It will also offer common services and ethical guidance.
Joe Cuddeford, Director of Smart Data Research UK, said: “Our six interconnected services will enable researchers to access unprecedented insights across finance, energy, health, geography, and beyond – empowering innovative solutions to complex societal challenges facing the UK today.”
Stian Westlake, Executive Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council, added: “This investment in a new network of smart data services helps put the UK at the forefront of data-driven innovation.
“Data infrastructure is as critical to our shared prosperity as transport, water or power networks. When we invest in data infrastructure we are investing in economic growth, improved public services, and a more sustainable future.”
Representatives from Public Health Scotland, RAMH, Penumbra, The Neuk, Cruse Scotland, Samaritans, See Me Scotland, Cosla, Voluntary Health Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University and VOX gathered to discuss the ongoing work being driven by the Mental Health Taskforce in response to the HMICS report on Mental Health.
Representatives agreed to participation in forming a new reference group, solely focused on providing Police Scotland with the voices of professional, expert and lived experience to support the development of new, and improved, person centred approaches across Scotland.
Representatives received a presentation from Police Inspector Suzanne Kelsey on the success of the Mental Health Pathway, a Scottish Government funded collaboration with NHS 24 and Scottish Ambulance Service, followed by the presentation and discussion around a collaborative approach to the development of a suicide bereavement support letter providing emotional and practical support for families bereaved by suicide.
The formation of a reference group will lend support and expertise to the current collaborative workstreams, governance structure and newly created Mental Health Taskforce established to address the 2023 HMICS Mental Health Report recommendations for Police Scotland.
Chief Superintendent Matt Paden who leads Police Scotland’s Mental Health Taskforce said: “The taskforce will establish and integrate referral pathways such as the NHS Mental Health Pathway and Distress Brief Intervention, as well as operational guidance on how to access community triage, so individuals in our communities get the most appropriate response from those best capable to provide the help they require and merit.
“The taskforce will also realign Police Scotland training to better equip our officers with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to provide balance around the care, support and compassion in daily policing our communities.
“The success of these initiatives heavily depends on the support and engagement of our partners. There are excellent local examples, such as, but not limited, to Hope Point in Dundee, The Neuk in Perth and the community triage model in Lanarkshire which provide a fantastic support to our local communities in those areas.
“We want to enable similar efforts to be implemented nationally and our goal is to collaborate with partners to ensure that individuals have access to the most suitable assistance with our officers and staff equipped with the knowledge and tools to make that a reality.”
Thursday marked the first gathering of the Mental Health Reference Group who will support Police Scotland in providing a forum for multi sectoral collaboration.
Wendy Given from the Neuk was among those participating in the meeting. he said: “As a third sector organisation working closely with Police Scotland to provide mental health crisis support, it was great to hear about the work being done on pathways and to have the opportunity to represent the views of those using our services at The Neuk.
“Today was a great opportunity to explore potential gaps and work together on creating a more streamlined and effective response for individuals reaching out in mental health crises.
“We are pleased to be included in the formation of a Mental Health Reference Group to ensure that a cross-section of views informs the work they do. I would like to praise Police Scotland for their dedication to bringing about change that truly puts the person at the centre.”
Neil Mathers, Executive Director for Samaritans Scotland said: “This was a great opportunity to work with partners across the third sector to consider how we can better support people in our communities experiencing mental health crisis.
“It was hugely valuable to learn more about Police Scotland’s new Mental Health Taskforce and the progress being made with NHS24 to ensure timely and effective support to those in distress.
“At Samaritans Scotland we work to ensure fewer lives are lost to suicide. We believe it’s vital to work positively and collaboratively with Police Scotland and other partners to achieve this vision.”
100k visitors, almost 600 events, 100 sold out and 55 countries watch online
Over 100k visits were made to the Book Festival’s new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute from 10-25 August for first programme from new Director Jenny Niven
Authors, poets, politicians, musicians, thinkers and illustrators including Margaret Atwood, Richard Osman, Salman Rushdie, Blindboy, Sarah Pascoe, RF Kuang, Naomi Alderman, Jess Phillips took to stage and screen for almost 600 events
Over 200 events sold to 90% capacity or more
Audiences from 55 countries joined online for pay what you can events – many of which are still available to watch
Over 4,500 school children from 89 schools across Scotland were transported to the Festival (31 groups free of charge), to attend free events and take home a free book each
EIBF authors took part in 12 visits to hospitals and prisons across Scotland
Thousands of local residents were introduced to Edinburgh Futures Institute for the first time
Over 100k visits were made to Edinburgh International Book Festival’s new home at the newly opened Edinburgh Futures Institute from 10-25 August 2024, with ticket and book sales significantly up on previous years, and thousands of curious passers-by exploring and enjoying the new site, amongst the heart of Edinburgh’s festival action.
Future Tense, the first Book Festival programme to unfold under new Director Jenny Niven, tackled topics of global importance ranging from AI to the climate crisis, capitalism to the war in the Middle East, migration to inheritance, and more besides.
Legendary authors, writers, poets, thinkers and entertainers including Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie (who joined down the line), Richard Osman, Dolly Alderton, Alan Cumming & Forbes Masson, Phillipa Gregory, Jackie Kay, James O’Brien, Lemn Sissay, Elif Shafak, Louise Welsh, Raja Shehadeh, Marian Keyes, Roger McGough appeared on stage, alongside RF Kuang, Blindboy, Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Evie Wyld, Julius Roberts, and Samantha Shannon.
As well as greats from the literary sector, stars of music and film (Stuart Brathwaite of Mogwai, Esther Swift, Evelynn Glennie, Stuart Murdoch, Steven Moffat, Anjoa Andoh), theatre makers (including Grid Iron’s Ben Harrison), producers, publishers (many appearing as part of the Business of Books strand aimed at those in the industry, and artists (Ruth Millington, Kate Leiper) and actors also featured, bringing the multi disciplinary magic of the Edinburgh Festivals to life, right at the heart of the city.
This year saw a number of brand new types of events unfold, many celebrating cross-discipline collaboration, including the ambitious digital experience, Perambulations of a Justified Sinner and the intimate Have Lunch With… series at Elliott’s Studio, featuring chef-writers (Asma Khan, Sami Tamimi and Rachel Roddy). Clean Money: Can Fundraising Ever Be Ethical brought in audience members with a variety of views to discuss the detail and nuance of modern arts funding in a safe and supported space, and events including ThinkTanks offered audiences unparalleled access to world-class minds including Harold Hongju Koh, Ingrid Robeyns, Joseph Stiglitz and Ken Costa.
Voices from across the political spectrum also joined the conversation, with appearances from John Swinney, Jess Phillips, Caroline Lucas, Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan.
Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of the Book Festival this year. Audiences have voted with their feet and we’ve seen full houses and brilliant, engaged crowds.
“Debate and discussion has been relished by audiences and authors alike proving the Festival is a truly important space for people to be inspired and come together.
“Edinburgh Futures Institute as a Book Festival venue has been terrific and we’re already looking at the ways we can build on what we’ve created for next year.
“We’re looking forward to beginning conversations in the Autumn with everyone who will be part of our story in our next glorious edition.”
WISHING my CITIZEN friends and colleagues good luck as they take to the stage at Edinburgh International Book Festival this evening.
They will be reading their stories about the old Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh Futures Institute, which was built on the grounds of the old Royal off Lauriston Place.
In spring 2024 EIBF called for people from Edinburgh to submit stories about the former Royal Infirmary, to capture and honour the experiences and memories that people connect with the building’s previous life.
Tonight’s local writers readers will joined by special guest Lisa Williams to perform their work and commemorate the building’s rich history.
The event is free – well worth seeing if you can make it along!
Enjoy tasty food and brilliant performances from local people. Returning for its fifth year, Stories and Scran celebrates dynamic, thought-provoking work created by our Citizen participants.
Expect diverse and creative talent from Project Esperanza’s Women’s Group, WHALE Arts, the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group, and Citizen Collective.
And Scran Academy are back to serve up delicious, sweet treats you can enjoy during the event.
Stories and Scran runs from 8 – 9.15pm at the Book Festival’s new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place.
2024 programme FUTURE TENSE as it enters new era at Edinburgh Futures Institute
Edinburgh International Book Festival announces programme of over 500 events, featuring authors from over 40 countries
The theme Future Tense explores how future-oriented and long-term thinking can bring imagination and perspective to urgent and complex issues including Data, AI and Complex Systems; Future Politics and Economics; and The Imaginative Realm
Additional programme strands include How to Live a Meaningful Life;Brilliant Fiction; and Voterama
It is the first year under new Director Jenny Niven and at Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI)
EFI is located in the extensively refurbished old Royal Infirmary building on Lauriston Place
2024 sees the welcome return of outdoor spaces hosting children’s events, food vendors, a buzzing bar and late-night events in the Spiegeltent
Digital events and workshops return for audiences worldwide
Edinburgh International Book Festival announces its 2024 programme with the theme Future Tense as it moves into a new era and home at Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI).
Taking place from 10-25 August the Festival is the first to unfold under the innovative Directorship of Jenny Niven in the state of the art surrounds of what was Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary.
Along with a change of location, the Festival has been refocused to put fresh perspectives, relevance and active learning in the spotlight, with over 500 events that will empower audiences by bringing new and often opposing points of view together.
In a present full of tensions and seemingly intractable issues, the Festival will create conversations aimed at finding new pathways to change.
In ‘Future Tense’, across six elements, we explore how future-oriented thinking, learning across generations and disciplines, and approaching change with curiosity, compassion and imagination, could help us untangle the huge systematic challenges we currently face, both as individuals and as a society.
And in an age when transparency is key, the programme will tackle topics that directly impact the Festival, from ethical funding to sustainability, as well as topics that impact those living locally and those living in crisis, both at home and across the world.
And at a time when so much information is gathered online and shared within the echo chambers of social media, this year’s programme offers audiences increased opportunity to engage and swap ideas and knowledge, in person, and interactively.
Jenny Niven, Director at Edinburgh International Book Festival, said:“I am enormously proud of the programme we have created for this year, our first Festival in our new home at the Edinburgh Future’s Institute.
“Our programme Future Tense speaks to the complexity of the moment we’re in, but hopefully also brings some optimism – the world is full of brilliant, insightful people working in so many imaginative ways. We’re excited to showcase some of that incredible thinking and writing – and the ways people are working together to solve problems and keep learning.
“It’s been an honour to engage with authors, publicists, poets, performers, artists and audience members since I took on this role, and all of these conversations have informed what you will find on site this summer.”
FUTURE TENSE comprises six sub-themes, each exploring and aspect of how we can, or should, change our individual and collective futures:
A TOAST TO THE FUTURE will bring a kaleidoscope of perspectives and expertise, from the hopeful to the momentous, at a special Gala event of readings from writers including Martin MacInnes, Naomi Alderman, Joelle Taylor, Richard Holloway, to EFI’s Chair in the Ethics of Data and AI, Shannon Vallor, who each explore their vision of the future in just 7 minutes.
FUTURE LIBRARY puts The Future Libraryproject centre stage in its 10th anniversary year. Not only does Margaret Atwood, who was the first contributor to this unique library in Norway which comprises work by authors that will remain unread for 100 years, explore her concept of ’Practical Utopia’, there will be a hands-on workshop alongside the announcement of the 2025 Future Library contributor.
GENERATIONS explores our responsibilities to those who come next and acknowledges that we can only plan effectively for the future by understanding what came before. Roman Krznaric and Ella Saltmarshe explore being ‘good ancestors’ and Wales’ first Commissioner for Future Generations shares how policy can support this. And, we’ve created a series of conversations which span generations, including poets Roger McGough with Hollie McNish, and foreign correspondents Allan Little and Jen Stout to hear fascinating insights and anecdotes from writers who share common ground.
AI, DATA AND COMPLEX SYSTEMS includes events like Writing the Wrongs of AI , featuring Pip Thornton, Sam Riviere and Heather Parry, which discusses the findings of a pioneering series of workshops EIBF and the Braid Fellowship have supported bringing together authors, publishers, legal and technical experts to confront the industry challenges and opportunities of the AI revolution; and Page Against the Machine, a fun interactive challenge where AI is put to the test live in the Spiegeltent, by both authors and audience members . Durham University also return with the ReaderBank: the world’s most ambitious study of reading, imagination, and health.
FUTURE ECONOMICS AND POLITICS will ask some of the hardest questions, including; How is capitalism changing? How are we going to finance the green tech revolution we need? With a more unequal world than ever before, how much wealth is too much? Featuring Nobel Prize winner Joseph E Stiglitz, BBC’s chief economics editor Dharshini David, Ken Costa, Ingrid Robeyns, and more, audiences can expect robust debate that allows for all perspectives to be heard.
THE IMAGINATIVE REALM speaks to the fact that sci-fi writers and authors of speculative fiction have been imagining the future for decades and are well placed to advise on where we may be heading. As engineers imagine the workings of new machines, authors, writers and poets imagine how these machines will and do impact the world around them, and audiences can expect the insights and wisdom of first-class writers from across these genres, including R F Kuang, Adrian Tchaikovsky, and Irenosen Okojie.
Along with our hard-hitting programming, and in contrast to the seemingly never ending negative news cycle, How to Live a Meaningful Life invites authors and audiences to come together to explore what makes it all worth it, with a series of events delving into philosophy, joy and the utmost of pleasures – food.
We’ll reflect On Creativity with Rachael Sermanni, to On Paying Attention with Olesya Khromeychuk, and On Making It Count with Oliver Burkeman, among many more.
Part of How to Live a Meaningful Life, is Table Talks, a strand featuring the delicious combination of food demos, conversation and specially created menus in an intimate setting, delivered by some of the world’s best chefs and food writers.
Taking place at Elliott’s Studio just across The Meadows from EFI, audiences can expect experiences with the likes of Palestinian chef and author Sami Tamimi; Pam Brunton, head chef of Michelin Green Starred restaurant, Inver; first generation farmer and internet sensation Julius Roberts; Rachel Roddy – who writes delicious dispatches from her kitchen in Rome; owner of London’s Darjeeling Express restaurant (and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People for 2024), Asma Khan; the person who transformed the mid-week meal with her one pan revolution, Rukmini Iyer; and eternally curious travel writer and critic Caroline Eden.
Of course, the Festival will continue to deliver once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to; see some of the world’s greatest novelists (Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, Lauren Groff and Karl Ove Knausgård); hear from debut authors (Lorraine Kelly); glimpse the lives of famous faces from varying walks of life (including Front List appearances from James O’Brien, Alice Osman and Dolly Alderton); and not least the chance to have cherished copies of favourite books signed in person by many attending authors.
Poetry is in fantastic shape in this year’s line up too with Natalie Diaz, Michael Ondaatje, Ray Antrobus, Jenni Fagan, Sean Hewitt, Gerald Murnane, Andrew McMillan and Kathleen Jamie, and many more all on the bill.
With more people voting in 2024 than in a single year ever before in history. Voterama: Elections, Democracy and Geopolitics explores both UK and international politics and the changing face of democracy itself. Leading voices Jess Phillips, Caroline Lucas, Alistair Campbell will help unpack the UK election, and David van Reybrouck,
Ingrid Robeyns and Ed Wong broaden our horizons internationally. Marianna Spring illuminates misinformation and Mona Chalabi makes complex information visually stunning. In the 25th year of devolution Mark Drakeford and First Minister John Swinney swap perspectives; and Andy Burnham gives his view from the North.
Long standing friend of the Festival Raja Shehadeh, Nathan Thrall and Avi Shlaim share first hand perspectives on Israel, and Palestine, in what will undoubtedly be powerful conversations.
And in partnership with Beyond Borders Scotland, we look directly at peacebuilding and conflict resolution with those working first hand and at the highest level – exploring everything from the Islamic principles of peace-making, to UN diplomacy, and the impact on the climate.
Asking the hard question ‘how does conflict ever actually become resolved?’ audiences will hear from a range of experts including Mark Muller Stuart KC, Andrew Gilmour, and Ebrahim Rasool.
Marking the 200th anniversary of James Hogg’s seminal work The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, Justified Sinner 200 willre-examine this iconic story of the Calvinist Robert Wringham who believes that his place in Heaven is predestined.
At once a bold exploration of the darkest parts of the human soul, and a wildly creative novel, we have commissioned a series of equally bold reimaginings to explore its relevance and resonance today.
Kirsty Logan, Esther Swift, and folksinger Kirsty Law reset the text in a contemporary Scottish cult, acclaimed theatre company Grid Iron and Ray Interactive create an immersive walking tour through Edinburgh’s old town (featuring voiceovers from none other than Louise Welsh), Stewart Laing and Pamela Carter bring us Extraordinary Trash: A Theatre Essay revisiting their own iconic reworking of Hogg via Paul Bright, and there are a range of interactive, immersive experiences inspired by this title in August, none of which are to be missed.
And finally, making the most of our new location in the midst of the Festival City, the Spiegeltent returns by popular demand with Back to Ours – a strand of evening and late night events ranging from performance to poetry, comedy to podcasting, and everything in between.
Whether it’s belly laughs courtesy of BAFTA Best Comedy Writer awardee Jack Rooke (of Channel 4’s uproarious series Big Boys), being a book Weirdo with Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd, rocking out to Festival favourites the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, or dancing the night away with a rollicking ceilidh to round the festival off, there is something for everyone to come back for.
For those engaging with the world of literary festivals for the first time and taking their first step in their writing career, the Festival continues to provide unrivalled resources and workshops aimed at demystifying the industry.
From discussions on AI, sustainability, audiobooks and pitching sessions, aimed at editors, publishers, festival organisers, translators, and other experts, this year’s programme features a dedicated three-day lineup of panels, showcases and receptions. Aimed at those working within the publishing industry this years’ Industry Days & Global Ink events also tackle one of the trickiest things for an author to do – take their work outwith the confines of their own country.
Finally, at a time when the amount and wide-ranging nature of the news can be overwhelming, the Festival introduces First Edition, a daily discussion of the morning headlines and issues of the day with a local member of the media, hosted in the Spiegeltent and free for all.
And the new (Lunch) Box Fresh sessions will take place at lunchtime and feature readings from new and vibrant talent in partnership with Scottish Book Trust, Glasgow Women’s Library, Scottish Poetry Library, and Jenny Brown Associates.
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said: “This year marks Edinburgh International Book Festival’s first year in their new home and the inaugural year under Director Jenny Niven.
“Welcoming in this new era, the festival has curated a bold and ambitious programme engaging many of the critical issues facing the world today. To do that, they are bringing together international authors with both Scotland’s own world-renowned talent and our exciting emerging literary voices.
“The Futures Institute events will nurture a love of books and reading for all ages. Additionally, there are valuable programme strands highlighting the significance of community work, extending the festival’s influence beyond its new location.”
Our new site at EFI
Opened in 1729 Edinburgh’s old Royal Infirmary is one of the city’s most beloved buildings and with huge care, has been brought into the 21st century as Edinburgh’s Futures Institute, a futures-focused space for learning, research, and innovation at the University of Edinburgh, and new home of Edinburgh International Book Festival.
In addition to enjoying events in brand new, state-of-the-art theatres, audiences and visitors can find a plethora of places to read, relax, meet and converse throughout this grand and iconic building, as well as across the specially designed, grassy courtyard that unfolds at the south of the venue, making the Festival site a destination worthy of lingering this summer.
Located just off The Meadows in the leafy heart of the city, the Festival’s new home is a stone’s throw from key Fringe venues at George Square and the home of the Edinburgh International Festival at the Hub.
Do you have memories of The Old Royal Infirmary that you would like to share? We want to hear them!
The “Recycling a Hospital” project aims to reuse wood and slate from the reconstruction of the Old Royal Infirmary, the future home of the Edinburgh Futures Institute, to honour memories connected to the building.
Please join our Recycling a Hospital Community Poetry and Image Workshop where we hope to bring together people from the community with memories of the building (births, illness, recovery, and so on) that we can shape into text.
Edinburgh Futures institute, 1 Lauriston place
Saturday 23rd August 2pm-5pm
