Edinburgh, Greater Manchester and Newcastle are in the running to host the 2027 Edinburgh TV Festival.
Nicola Shindler of Quay Street Productions told Prolific North that the decision to shortlist Greater Manchester was “both symbolic and significant.”
Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen added that “the timing could not be better” for it to go to Newcastle.
While Jane Meagher, Edinburgh’s Council Leader said that she hoped it would return the city “where it belongs.”
It come as the organisers of the Edinburgh TV Festival confirmed that there had been 3 successful bids for the 2027 event. They would now be moving into the “concluding review process for a long-term host city.”
The decision to potentially move to a new city was part of a wider strategic review, focussed on finding sustainable solutions for the future of the Festival.
In total 8 cities bid.
“We are honoured to have received eight incredible bids and have been blown away by the level of enthusiasm, ingenuity and consideration each of the bidding cities brought to their submissions. It is enormously meaningful to us to see the esteem in which the Festival is clearly held and the recognition of the value an event like this can bring both culturally and financially, to a city,” explained Campbell Glennie, CEO of the TV Festival and TV Foundation.
“We want to thank everyone for the thoughtful and constructive discussions we’ve had thus far. We’re excited to enter the final phase with the shortlist of three very strong city bids and look forward to learning more as we find the most sustainable solution for the Festival to grow and truly become the moment in the television industry calendar for years to come.”
Edinburgh Response
“We’re proud to be known as the world’s leading festival city, and the TV Festival has been a valuable part of our cultural calendar for the past 50 years,” said Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher.
“Scheduled alongside the Edinburgh Festivals each August, TV professionals have long benefitted from the opportunity to meet and mingle while enjoying everything our beautiful city has offer – not least the largest and most diverse cultural gathering on Earth.
“I’m delighted by the strength of support we’ve received for our bid and hope to welcome the TV Festival back to Edinburgh where it belongs.”
Newcastle
“We’re absolutely thrilled that the North East has been shortlisted — and the timing could not be better,” said Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen.
“The North East has tackled geographic and socio-economic disadvantage for decades but that is changing in a big way. We are a region with both credibility and huge momentum, capable of delivering a festival of national and international significance whilst ensuring a lasting legacy for our communities, emerging talent and the wider UK cultural landscape.
“Over the last few years through our North East Screen Industries Partnership work we have already delivered an incredible 131% growth in production and have ambitious plans and the investment to do so much more. We don’t want to just host the TV industry on the banks of the mighty Tyne; we want to work with the festival and our partners to invigorate it. With us, you’re not just working with a host city — you’re unlocking the power of an entire region united, energised, and ready to deliver.”
Greater Manchester
“We are delighted to see Manchester shortlisted for the new home of The TV Festival. This is an opportunity that is both symbolic and significant, and reflects the region’s television heritage and position as one of the UK’s most dynamic production hubs,” said Nicola Shindler, the CEO of Quay Street Productions.
While Helen Houston, Deputy Head of Production, Lifted Entertainment added:
“It’s great to see Manchester under consideration to host such a prestigious and important festival. The city is home to many wonderfully talented industry people and boasts world-class infrastructure. Three of Lifted’s most beloved and enduring formats are made in Manchester in University Challenge, Countdown and The Voice – just a few examples of the city’s incredible creative output.”
The final decision is due to be made later this year.
