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
	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 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

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

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Set up in 1978, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival now presents high quality musicians from all over the world.

Festivals

Leith Festival

, Leith

Leith Festival is an array of colour, sound, culture and pageantry that takes place over nine days in June.

Festivals

Edinburgh International Film Festival

88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh West EH3 9BZ

The Edinburgh International Film Festival will return from 13th to 19th August 2026 at the very heart of Edinburgh's festival season.

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

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

, Various Locations Edinburgh

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

Festivals

Edinburgh Gaelic Festival

, Edinburgh

A festival celebrating Edinburgh Gaelic community past and present. A' dèanamh fèill air coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann.

Festivals

Lammermuir Festival

, Various Locations East Lothian

Lammermuir Festival is East Lothian's celebration of Beautiful Music in Beautiful Places.

Festivals

Just Festival

St John's Church Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4BJ

Edinburgh’s Just Festival Celebrates 21st Year With Bumper Programme. Free to attend programme online and at St. John’s Church, Princes Street from 6th – 30th August.

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