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More famous faces for the Festival
23 August, 2006
More Festival of Politics news
Two of Britain's most distinguished politicians will share their wealth of political experience on Thursday (24 August), the second day of the Festival of Politics.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Menzies Campbell, and former Father of the House of Commons, Tam Dalyell, will speak in depth about politics on both sides of the border, and also about life away from the front benches.
Sir Menzies will be chatting to The Herald's Scottish Political Editor, Douglas Fraser with topics likely to include the future of the Liberal Democrats, his determination in overcoming cancer, and competing at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics for Great Britain as a sprinter.
The Lib Dem leader has never hid his admiration for Holyrood:
"Since 1999, the establishment of the Scottish Parliament has changed many aspects of life in Scotland , and with the creation last year of the Festival of Politics the Parliament itself is adding to the cultural life of Scotland.
"Over the centuries, Edinburgh has contributed much to the advancement of political thought and it is fitting that in this, the city of festivals, there should be an event dedicated to the ideas and institutions which govern all our lives."
Later on Thursday afternoon, Tam Dalyell talks to Presiding Officer George Reid MSP about controversial issues including the Belgrano, Iraq and the 'West Lothian Question'.
Speaking ahead of the engagement, Presiding Officer George Reid said:
"Thousands attended our first award-winning Festival last year thanks to a series of thought-provoking and stimulating events.
"This year with a programme that includes leading historians, politicians and academics, there's a real breadth of knowledge and expertise that should ensure our events are both informative and entertaining."
"A Life in Politics: Tam Dalyell" is at 3pm in Parliament Venue 1. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for concessions and are available from the Scottish Parliament or The Hub ticket office.
Background notes
Holyrood's Festival of Politics was introduced last year to Edinburgh 's festival season and received an Editors' Top Ten Award from Threeweeks - the Edinburgh festivals' premier review publication.
Full programme details for the Festival of Politics are available at most major Edinburgh Festival Venues, from the Scottish Parliament or from our website (www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk). The Festival takes places 23-26 August.
For media accreditation please phone 0141 348 6852.
While most events are free, a small number of events will charge £5.00 (£3.00 concession) with those wishing to attend advised to book in advance.
Tickets can be obtained:
- Online from: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk. Online booking is available 24 hours up to 4pm on the day before the event.
- By telephone: 0131 473 2000 (calls via RNID Typetalk: 018001 0131 473 2000). Fax: 0131 473 2003.
- By post: to the Festival of Politics, Hub Tickets, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE.
- In person at the Scottish Parliament or at the Hub.
Visitors to the Festival will be able to use the free crèche. The crèche opened in 2004 for members of the public visiting Parliament and provides up to four hours free child care for 0-5 year olds. For information call: 0131 348 6192.
To ensure Festival of Politics events are as accessible as possible, please specify requirements when booking tickets. While British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation is provided automatically at some events, it can be requested for any of the others. Assistance dogs are welcome and all venues are accessible for wheelchair users.
For further information contact: [email protected]
Telephone: 0131 348 6852.
For public information/general enquiries:
Telephone 0131 348 500 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
E-mail: [email protected]
More Festival of Politics news
The Festival of Politics is an initiative of the Scottish Parliament.
The Festival of Politics 2006 Partners are:
Standard Life; BAA Scotland; and ScottishPower.
