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Festival of Politics attracts 6,000 people ahead of final day
26 August, 2006
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This year's record-breaking Festival of Politics is set to finish on a high note today, after three successful days of bringing together the worlds of politics, media and the arts through performance, discussion and debate.
Running from 23-26 August, so far more than 6,000 people have visited the Parliament during the award-winning festival. Initial indications are that more than 2,400 people attended Festival events on the first three days, attracted by top name speakers including satirist Armando Iannucci, parliamentarians Sir Menzies Campbell and Tam Dalyell, along with Award-winning Hollywood actress, Dr Tommie Stewart and Rachel Elnaugh, star of the BBC's business talent show Dragons' Den.
Guests still to come today include historian Dan Snow, journalist and broadcaster George Alagiah and weather presenter Heather Reid.
Visitors are also able to view the prestigious World Press Photo exhibition, held for the first time in Scotland and attend discussions on topics as diverse as devolution and Scottish identity and conflict in the Middle East .
An additional 2,000 people are predicted to visit during the Festival's final day today from 11am to 4pm. Visitors can take part in a whole range of fun and games including political snakes and ladders, dance and music from Malawi and even the chance to create a designer politician in the 'Build Your Own MSP' game.
Presiding Officer, George Reid MSP, said:
"This year's Festival of Politics has been enormously successful with practically every ticket snapped up so far.
"We have already welcomed more than 6,000 people in less than three days. For those who say the public do not care about politics, I would challenge them to come to our events and join in the lively and informed debate."
There has been a positive response from audiences, with people from across the UK enjoying debate from speakers.
Craig Thomson, Livingston said: "The Festival of Politics is an interesting addition to the Festival scene and is a good use of these facilities providing access to politics to more people."
James Trager from New Jersey , USA , was drawn to the Festival Politics through his interest in the devolution debate.
"The Festival of Politics is a very good idea and a great way of getting people involved in politics."
Mr Trager, who was attending Professor David McCrone's debate on Devolution and Scottish Identity believed the discussion was "premature". "The idea should be to get devolution up and working well rather than being concerned if it makes people feel more or less British. You have a new experience in federalism and need to work on the kinks and everything will be fine."
Describing the Festival of Politics as "marvellous", Fiona Eadington, from Dunblane said:
"The Scottish Parliament set out to be different from Westminster and to get the public involved in what is going on. I am very encouraged that there are events for children."
While Kerr Cowan, from Fife , said:
"People are interested in politics but cynical of politicians. This is a good arena to hear others' views and discuss issues in an open forum. Politics is often discussed in an artificial one sided manner and not in open debate."
And it's not just audiences that are enthusiastic - speakers and experts gave the festival their seal of approval too.
Sir Menzies Campbell, speaking after his lecture, said:
"The Festival of Politics is an extremely good idea, the bigger the opportunity for people to come into this building, then the healthier the state of Scottish politics."
Scottish Political Editor of The Herald, Douglas Fraser, said:
"The Festival of Politics is a great success, another sell out, more than what can be said for all the other Fringe shows."
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.
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 to the Festival 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.
- 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]
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The Festival of Politics is an initiative of the Scottish Parliament.
The Festival of Politics 2006 Partners are:
Standard Life; BAA Scotland; and ScottishPower.
