Edinburgh welcomes the European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
This April, Edinburgh - the world’s foremost festival city, will welcome the Arts Festivals Summit 2025, the premier annual gathering of Europe’s most visionary festival makers.
Article Source: European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
Last Updated: 15 April 2025 15:09
World’s Leading Festivals to gather in Edinburgh for European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
From 27-30 April 2025, more than 200 festival directors, pioneering artists, and cultural leaders will assemble at The Hub – the iconic home of the Edinburgh International Festival, the original festival that sparked Edinburgh’s legacy as the festival city, 78 years ago. Over four days of provocative dialogue, vital networking, and groundbreaking collaboration, the Summit will delve into the transformative power of festivals, examining how they drive innovation, ignite creativity, and forge unbreakable bonds between culture, cities, and communities worldwide.
Festivals are central to Edinburgh’s identity and success, drawing millions of visitors each year, generating substantial economic benefit, and enriching lives through access to world-class art and performance. Hosted by the European Festivals Association (EFA), the Edinburgh International Festival, Festivals Edinburgh, and the City of Edinburgh, the Summit will highlight Edinburgh’s unique position as a global leader in cultural programming, offering delegates the chance to engage with the city’s festivals and cultural organisations.
Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Festival, said: “In Edinburgh, festivals are part of the city’s DNA and are a driving force for creativity and international exchange. Hosting the Arts Festivals Summit at The Hub reflects both the International Festival’s proud legacy in shaping cultural dialogue, but also its role in driving international connection for nearly eight decades. As we come together to share ideas, navigate common challenges, and explore new possibilities, we reaffirm the power of festivals not only as stages for artistic excellence, but as essential spaces for understanding, empathy, and collaboration across borders.”
The Summit will spotlight the transformative power of festivals, underscoring the substantial economic, social, and cultural value that festivals contribute to Edinburgh and to countries throughout Europe, and shaping strategies to ensure festivals remain vital forces for societal good.
The Summit’s dynamic programme will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops exploring the evolving role of arts and festivals in shaping cities.
Speakers lined up include author and social philosopher, Roman Krznaric; independent researcher and co-founder of think tank Culture Policy Room, Elena Polivtseva; CEO of International Society for the Performing Arts based in New York, David Baile; Director of Performing Arts at the Academy of Arts in Berlin, Nele Hertling; Head of the Arts for the Rural Development Foundation in Hungary, Natália Oszkó-Jakab; and Project Director of European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA), Donika Rudi among many others.
Sessions will address key issues such as sustainability, accessibility, and artistic freedom while also examining the relationship between festivals and emerging artists. Looking ahead, the programme will invite participants to consider the future of festivals in an ever-changing global landscape, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across the cultural sector.
"To be with 200 festival makers from all over the world together in Edinburgh, the festival city of Europe, for 4 days, is a great opportunity for everyone to learn, connect, and plan projects." commented Jan Briers, President of EFA.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted Edinburgh is hosting this year's European Arts Festivals Summit – it’s a fantastic opportunity for festival makers to get together and discuss all the key issues we all face. As the world's Festival City, Edinburgh exemplifies how festivals can unite communities, inspire creativity, and drive social change. This summit celebrates our city's cultural leadership and the transformative power of the arts.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Zizzi is turning up the heat early with their new Spring Summer menu
Zizzi is getting ready for longer days and celebrating summer's freshest ingredients with more than 15 new dishes, including seasonal salads, tropical cocktails and the return of a vegan favourite!
READ MORE
Scottish Excellence Awards 2026 Shortlist showcases strength of hospitality sector
Finalists have been announced for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026.
READ MORE
BBC Race Across the World is casting in Edinburgh now!
Studio Lambert are looking for duos across Edinburgh aged 18+ to take part in the adventure of a lifetime competing in the next series of BBC's Race Across the World!
READ MORE
Get ready to bounce, slide and play like never before!
Families set for next-generation fun as Innoflate Livingston prepares to unveil new market-leading inflatable and slide park!
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth launches public appeal to unlock landmark gallery
A major funder has pledged support for a new free and accessible gallery celebrating Edinburgh's most iconic landscape as Dynamic Earth targets £80,000 in a final fundraising drive.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival calls audiences to All Rise in festival with America in the spotlight
Running from 7-30 August, this year's Edinburgh International Festival presents 24 days of world-class performances selected for their artistic and cultural resonance!
READ MORE
Edinburgh cultural guide builds slow travel project with Business Gateway support
An Edinburgh-based tour operator is turning a personal storytelling project into a sustainable tourism activity thanks to tailored guidance from Business Gateway.
READ MORE
Wildlife conservation charity urges change to weather apps as misleading forecasts deter thousands of visitors
Misleading weather forecasts predicting rain are costing Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park up to £40,000 a day, a leading wildlife conservation charity has warned.
READ MORE
Eleanore from Roberta Hall McCarron reopens as bistro in Leith
Roberta Hall McCarron and Shaun McCarron's award-winning restaurant Eleanore has reopened with a renewed focus on a warm, neighbourhood bistro.
READ MORE
New exhibition explores the power of books to build community
Past Shelves: Histories of Queer Reading, now open at the Museum of Edinburgh, brings together interviews, books, magazines, and artefacts to examine how LGBTQ+ lives have been shaped by reading.
READ MORE
Lannan Pantry hosts Jess Dennison book signing
On Saturday 21st of March, Lannan Pantry will host a book signing with food writer and Elliott's founder Jess Elliott Dennison, celebrating her book Midweek Recipes.
READ MORE
Four Marketing Agency enters strategic alliance with Edinburgh firm Tartan Silk as part of next phase of growth
Four Marketing Agency, one of Scotland's fastest-growing public relations and communications agencies, has formed a strategic alliance with Edinburgh-based PR and events consultancy Tartan Silk.
READ MORE
Support for bereaved families in Scotland is vital ahead of Mothers Day
As Mother's Day approaches, the charity Sands is sharing simple ways anyone in Scotland, and across the UK, can show they care for a mum they know, who's been touched by pregnancy or baby loss.
READ MORE
Edinburgh hotel announces second chapter of Captains Table guest chef dining series
One of Scotland's top chefs will be hosting the second in a series of collaborative 'Captain's Table' dining experiences onboard luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Sunday 29th March.
READ MORE
Iconic castle view bar in Edinburgh announces half a million pound makeover
Cold Town House, one of Edinburgh's most iconic rooftop bars, is getting a major £500,000 makeover in time for the Easter weekend from Friday 3rd April.
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth unveils roarsome Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line up
Dynamic Earth has announced its most immersive Edinburgh Science Festival programme to date, with a month-long celebration of discovery running from 3rd April to 3rd May!
READ MORE
Race Across the World: The Experience announces ticket release ahead of opening in Edinburgh in April
CityDays are delighted to announce that tickets are on-sale for Race Across the World: The Experience Edinburgh, ahead of the launch later this spring!
READ MORE
Razor sharp comedy showcase comes to Boston Bar Old Town
Craic Hoose, a new weekly Sunday comedy showcase, brings big laughs to The Boston Bar in Edinburgh's Old Town!
READ MORE
Centenary tours to go on sale at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The public will be given unique glimpse into Queen Elizabeth II's private rooms at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to mark the centenary of her birth.
READ MORE
Edinburgh based Lyceum Theatre Company to perform at festival celebrating youth theatre in the UK
Young people aged 13-19 from Edinburgh based Lyceum Youth Theatre are set to take to Pitlochry Festival Theatre's stage as part of this year's National Theatre Connections programme.
READ MORE
Scots brewery makes nostalgic pic n mix Sweet Shop beers
Sweet like candy is the order of the day for Scots brewers, Vault City, whose newest beer offering to their Sweet Shop range is hitting shelves next month!
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle celebrate return of Waffle Week with a Special Takeaway Inspired Menu
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrates International Waffle Day with a week-long tribute to its eponymous culinary canvas, featuring original waffle creations and a whole lot of fun!
READ MORE
Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi
Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.
READ MORE
From snow cabins to loch side hot tubs... 5 unique Scottish Mothers Day escapes
Beyond the traditional Sunday lunch, Mother's Day offers the perfect excuse to slow down and spend quality time together.
READ MORE
Herstory Tour relaunches for International Womens Day
Hear the stories of Edinburgh's most influential women as The Real Mary King's Close celebrates International Women's Day with a specially curated Herstory Tour.
READ MORE
Top Edinburgh chef to take centre stage at first Leith Food Festival
A Michelin-acclaimed Edinburgh chef has been chosen to lead a series of live cooking demonstrations as part of the first Leith Food Festival on Leith Links, 30th - 31st May 2026.
READ MORE
Michelin Guide restaurant Sebbs teams up with Pilot Beer for exclusive Glasgow launch
The new house beer has been developed through joint tastings by the Pilot and Sebb's teams, designed specifically to pair with bold, spice-led dishes and smoky grill flavours.
READ MORE
Scottish Dance Theatre presents Scottish Roots
Scotland's flagship dance company Scottish Dance Theatre present the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture.
READ MORE
Lost Shore founder Andy Hadden named Director of the Year
Andy Hadden, Founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, has been named Director of the Year at the 15th Annual Business Awards hosted by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
READ MORE
Eddi Reader set for perfect performance in Edinburgh
One of Scotland's most treasured cultural icons, Eddi Reader, is taking her unmatched musical magic to stages across the country for a 'perfect' spring tour this April.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links