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.

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

Listed Under Attractions - Festivals

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.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Festival of Politics are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatOnEdinburgh Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Festival of Politics

Sorry, but we have no upcoming events for Festival of Politics. If you know of an event taking place at Festival of Politics or anywhere else in Edinburgh tell us about it and we'll list it on the website, for free!

More Festivals in Edinburgh

Festivals

Portobello Book Festival

, Various Locations Portobello

Portobello Book Festival is a volunteer run festival, taking place over the first weekend of October.

Festivals

The Saltire Festival

, Various Locations East Lothian

The Saltire Festival returns for 2022 celebrating St. Andrew's Day in the Home of the Flag!

Festivals

Edinburghs Hogmanay

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is back to celebrate the end of 2025 and the new year with an unforgettable experience for Edinburgh and beyond.

Festivals

Audacious Women Festival

Audacious Women Festival , Various Locations Edinburgh

Audacious Women Festival encourages and empowers women to break personal, political, institutional barriers, and celebrates inspirational women.

Festivals

First Stages Festival

Traverse Theatre 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh West EH1 2ED

The Traverse kicks off its 2022 programme with a wide range of interactive workshops and Q&As, in-person readings and creative prompts for first time writers to seasoned theatremakers.

Festivals

Leith Comedy Festival

, Leith

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

Festivals

Edinburghs Christmas

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events and much more!

Festivals

Festival of Migration

Southside Community Centre 117 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9ER

Edinburgh's Festival of Migration, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our city and our neighbours!

Festivals

Syn Festival Edinburgh

, Various Locations in Edinburgh

Join us for a multi-art festival of visual and performing arts, including photography, art installations, painting, theatre, short films, live music and dance!

Festivals

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'.

Festivals

Burns&Beyond

Burns&Beyond returns in January 2024, celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns through traditional and contemporary art and culture from across Scotland and Beyond!

Festivals