Edinburgh TV Festival confirms dates and venues for Manchester move

Versa Studios Manchester and Aviva Studios will host The TV Festival

The TV Festival, formerly the Edinburgh TV Festival, has revealed dates and venues for its move to the UK city of Manchester next year.

The event will continue to run over four days, from Tuesday to Friday, but will move one week later in the calendar. In 2027, it will take place after the August Bank Holiday, from Tuesday August 31 to Friday September 3.

The TV Festival will take place at Versa Studios Manchester and Aviva Studios. Versa stands on the site of the former Granada Studios in the new St John’s creative and cultural district. Aviva Studios is the home of Factory International and the Manchester International Festival.

The festival’s editorial programme will take place across studios in the Versa complex and the Law Family Hall in Factory International.

Manchester was announced as the event’s new home in June, with the northern English city viewed as a more affordable alternative to the Scottish capital, which has hosted the annual event since 1976.

The festival’s move comes after repeated complaints about the cost and availability of accommodation in Edinburgh in late August, when other major events, including the Fringe, take place in the city, meaning accommodation prices skyrocket.

Wayne Garvie, president of international production at Sony Pictures Television, will be the advisory chair for 2027.