CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Festival of Politics

The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics takes place in August, with a three-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in the home of Scottish politics at Holyrood.

Festival Of Politics

About Festival of Politics

, Edinburgh Old Town EH99 1SP
01313485000
Festival of Politics Website
Follow visitscotparl on Twitter
Facebook information can be found here
Follow scotparl on Instagram

The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics returns this August with a three-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in Holyrood, the home of Scottish politics.

This year’s Festival promises lively debates, thought-provoking panels and inspiring voices tackling some of the most pressing social, political and environmental issues of our time.

BBC journalist Clive Myrie will appear as part of the line-up this year, in conversation with the Deputy Presiding Officer Liam McArthur MSP where he will discuss his incredible 30-year broadcasting career.

Professor Danny Dorling, renowned social geographer, will explore the impact of politics on the UK’s housing, education, poverty and inequality levels, and will offer robust solutions on how to address these challenges of our age.

In addition, our Festival programme features leading experts from the worlds of politics, the arts, business, the media and the third sector. With events on topics such as the use of AI, peace in the Middle East, how we tackle misogyny and our use of technology.

In addition, there is a lively free programme of entertainment, exhibitions and even a robot in the Festival Café Bar.

Upcoming Events at Festival of Politics

More Festivals in Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Film Festival

88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh West EH3 9BZ

The Edinburgh International Film Festival will return from 14th to 20th August 2025 at the very heart of Edinburgh's festival season.

READ MORE

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns from 22nd October to 1st November 2025 with the theme 'Lights of the North'.

READ MORE

Edinburgh International Harp Festival

George Watson's College 69 Colinton Road, Edinburgh South EH10 5EG

The Edinburgh International Harp Festival returns for its 42nd year in April, showcasing an eclectic array of harp talent from across the globe.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet.

READ MORE

Leith Comedy Festival

, Leith

The first full Leith Comedy Festival will take place in popular live venues and community hubs across Leith this October.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Tradfest

, Various Locations Edinburgh

The very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world returns from 2nd to 12th May 2025.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Deaf Featival

49 Albany Street, Edinburgh New town EH1 3QY

Edinburgh Deaf Festival is an accessible celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage. Join us for a variety of performances and events throughout the week.

READ MORE

Curious: A free festival of knowledge

The Royal Society Of Edinburgh 22 - 26 George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2PQ

Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s annual festival of knowledge – a free, open-to-all celebration of ideas, discovery, and conversation.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Art Festival

Edinburgh Art Festival , Various Locations Edinburgh

Founded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival works with local and international partners to present an ambitious and meaningful programme of exhibitions, events and projects across the city.

READ MORE

Red, Red Rose Street

NA NA, NA NA

Red Red Rose Street returns for 2018 with a festival of Burns’ music and words running from 25th - 27th January.

READ MORE

FuturePlay Festival

54 George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2LR

Formerly the Edinburgh Digital Entertainment Festival, FuturePlay is on from the 3rd to 26th August.

READ MORE

Edinburgh International Improv Festival

Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Edinburgh International Improv Festival is back in person at Scottish Storytelling Centre from 20th to 23rd March 2025.

READ MORE
All Festivals listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Murrayfield Experience
Renfrewshire Council
Edinburgh Street Historians
Escape The Past
Fayre Play
Children's Classic Concerts
Open Pass Scotland
Wonder & Co
Murrayfield Experience
Hilton Glasgow
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Murrayfield Experience
Renfrewshire Council
Edinburgh Street Historians
Escape The Past
Fayre Play
Children's Classic Concerts
Open Pass Scotland
Wonder & Co
Murrayfield Experience
Hilton Glasgow
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Conifox Terror Scream Park
Terror Scream Park, Edinburgh’s most intense 18+ horror event, launches for the very first time this autumn at Conifox Adventure Park.
HARVEST: Contemporary Craft Fair
Craft Scotland is delighted to present HARVEST: Contemporary Craft Fair, our new living showroom and multi-disciplinary selling exhibition, coming to the City Art Centre from 11th to 19th October.
RCSEd & SQ Charity Ceilidh
Get ready for a night of dancing, fun and great food at the RCSEd & SQ Staff Ceilidh on Saturday, 1st November!
Crafternoons
Looking for something fun to do with the kids during the October break? Then come along to these FREE arts and crafts sessions at the Scottish Parliament every day (except Sundays)!
Edinburgh’s Craft & Flea Market
Come along to Craft & Flea, a collection of independent makers, collectors, designers and creatives all under one roof at the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 19th October.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall