Edinburgh TV Festival Ends Half-Century Run in Scotland, Heads to Greater Manchester

After 50 years in the Scottish capital, the Edinburgh TV Festival is packing up and moving to Greater Manchester, with the transition set to take effect after the final Edinburgh edition in 2026. The decision follows a competitive bidding process between British cities, with Greater Manchester selected for its creative ambition and practical accessibility, according to Deadline.

DeadlineEdinburgh TV Festival to Relocate to Greater Manchester in 2027 After 50 Years

"Greater Manchester was chosen for its creative ambition, future-facing energy, and practical accessibility."

The move marks a significant shift for the UK television industry's premier annual gathering, which has been a fixture in Edinburgh since its inception. Variety reported that the board of directors made the decision following a consultation and bidding process that began in 2025.

VarietyEdinburgh TV Festival to Move to Manchester After Five Decades

The relocation is driven by longstanding concerns over accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. The festival's late-August timing has long coincided with the Edinburgh Fringe, creating expensive and difficult travel and accommodation logistics for attendees, Variety noted.

"The move is driven by concerns over accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, as the festival's late-August timing coincided with the Edinburgh Fringe, causing expensive and difficult travel and accommodation."

Industry observers will be watching to see how the change reshapes the event's character and attendance, as the festival leaves behind five decades of history in Edinburgh for a new chapter in the northwest of England. The final Edinburgh edition in 2026 is expected to serve as a farewell before the festival's debut in Greater Manchester in 2027.