Newcastle in final three for Edinburgh TV Festival move
North East stakes claim as future host of major TV industry gathering
Newcastle has been shortlisted to host the Edinburgh TV Festival from 2027, placing the North East in contention to stage one of the UK’s most influential media industry events.
The city is one of three finalists, alongside Edinburgh and Greater Manchester, following a competitive national bidding process that attracted eight submissions from across the UK.
Organisers confirmed the shortlist this week, with the final decision expected later this year after further assessment of each bid.
The move comes as part of a wider strategic review of the festival - held in Edinburgh since its inaugural edition in 1976 - aimed at securing its long-term future by improving accessibility, expanding its reach and creating opportunities for sustained growth within a rapidly evolving television industry.
For the North East, the shortlist represents a significant moment for a region that has been steadily building its reputation in screen production and creative industries.
Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that the North East has been shortlisted - and the timing could not be better.
“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.”
Festival organisers said the shortlisted cities had demonstrated strong potential in areas including infrastructure, accessibility and their ability to support the event’s future growth.
Alison added: “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.”
Campbell Glennie, CEO of the TV Festival and TV Foundation, said: “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.”
The Edinburgh TV Festival has been held in Edinburgh for decades and will remain there for its 2026 edition.
A final decision on the host city from 2027 onwards will be announced later this year.