Three UK cities shortlisted to host Edinburgh TV Festival as concerns over costs grow

The UK cities of Greater Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh are in the running to host the Edinburgh TV Festival (ETVF) from 2027.

Campbell Glennie

The three have been shortlisted after an initial bidding process, launched last November, saw eight cities across the country assessed on their capacity to scale up for long-term growth, accessibility and infrastructure.

The ETVF board will now meet with bid organisers to discuss submissions in more detail. A final decision will be taken later this year.

The festival’s potential move comes after repeated complaints about the cost and availability of accommodation in the Scottish capital, which has hosted the event since 1976. In late August each year, various other major events, including the Fringe, take place in Edinburgh, meaning that accommodation prices skyrocket.

Campbell Glennie, CEO of the TV festival and TV foundation, said: “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.”