TV Festival Relocates to Manchester: A New Chapter for the Television Industry
The TV festival in Edinburgh, a long-standing event for the television industry, will be moving to Manchester next year after 50 years in the Scottish capital. The decision to relocate was made by the festival's board of directors following a thorough consultation and bidding process that began in 2025. The move aims to address issues of accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, as well as rising costs associated with the event.
The TV festival, traditionally held at the end of August, coincides with the Edinburgh Fringe performing arts festival, making travel and accommodation challenging and costly for attendees. By moving to Manchester, the festival hopes to make it easier for industry professionals to participate, especially those traveling from London. The event will take place in Manchester's St. John's creative and cultural district, with specific dates to be announced later.
Campbell Glennie, CEO of the TV Festival, praised Greater Manchester for its vision of combining creative ambition, accessibility, and affordability for delegates. The move is expected to significantly reduce the costs of attending the festival and obtaining passes. Manchester's vibrant cultural scene and connectivity make it an ideal location to host an event of this magnitude, providing a strong platform for the festival's future growth and impact.
Despite the relocation, the iconic McTaggart lecture will continue to be a highlight of the festival program. This annual media lecture has featured prominent industry figures such as Ted Turner, Rupert Murdoch, Jack Thorne, Armando Iannucci, and Michaela Coel. The TV festival, organized by The TV Foundation, has established itself as a key event in the television industry calendar over the past five decades, alongside other industry gatherings like Mipcom and London Screenings.
This year's TV festival will mark the final edition in Edinburgh, running from August 25 to 28. The move to Manchester signals a new chapter for the event, promising a fresh perspective and opportunities for industry professionals to engage with the evolving landscape of television.