After half a century in Edinburgh, the UK’s premier television industry festival is set to relocate to Manchester, marking the end of a longstanding tradition. The annual event, which has been held every August in the Scottish capital for 50 years, provides a platform for TV executives, producers, and talent to convene and engage in industry discussions.

The decision to move the festival follows a successful bid from Manchester, supported by Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and current Member of Parliament. Campbell Glennie, the festival’s chief executive, emphasized that the relocation would enable expansion of the event while lowering costs for both organisers and attendees.

The Edinburgh TV Festival has traditionally coincided with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a major cultural event attracting up to 4.5 million visitors. While this timing allowed television professionals to scout emerging talent from the Fringe’s diverse offerings, it also resulted in significant expenses. Hotel prices surged by as much as 75 percent during the summer, and a proposed 5 percent tourist levy starting in July is expected to further drive up costs. Festival passes for this year’s three-day event reach up to £1,500.

Glennie described Manchester’s bid as combining “creative ambition and future-facing energy” with improved accessibility and affordability. He added that the city’s infrastructure, cultural identity, and connectivity offer a strong foundation to support the festival’s growth and broaden its influence across the UK’s television industry.

However, the move has been met with criticism from some industry figures. Jon Thoday, co-founder of Avalon, a television production and talent management company, called the decision “a very disappointing mistake.” He argued that Edinburgh’s status as a creative hub, linked closely with the Fringe, has been crucial in fostering some of the UK’s most successful TV brands, such as "Fleabag," "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," and "Taskmaster." Thoday warned that distancing the TV sector from this talent-rich environment risks hindering creative development. He also stated that Avalon executives would continue to engage with the Fringe independently of the festival’s relocation.

Claire Mundell, chief executive of Glasgow-based Synchronicity Films, which produced Sky’s adaptation of “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” expressed a similar disappointment. She noted that the Edinburgh TV Festival was a rare occasion when the UK television industry gathered in Scotland, rather than expecting Scottish productions to travel elsewhere.

Andy Burnham welcomed Manchester’s selection as the festival’s new home, describing it as a “real vote of confidence” in the city. He highlighted Manchester’s existing infrastructure, artistic talent, and ambition, stating that these qualities would ensure the event’s ongoing success and inject a distinct local character into its future iterations.

The 2026 festival will mark Edinburgh’s final hosting after five decades, with Manchester scheduled to take over from 2027 onwards.