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News release 6 July 2007 Gàidhlig
Book tickets online at Hub Tickets or telephone 0131 473 2000.
Scottish Parliament announces Festival of Politics 2007 programme
The Scottish Parliament today unveiled the full line up of speakers for its award-winning Festival of Politics which returns to Edinburgh from 24 to 26 August.
Now in its third year, the Festival presents a diverse programme of events bringing together politics, media and the cultural industries.
Charles Kennedy MP will discuss his career, his political beliefs and his future plans.
His political career has already spanned three decades, stretching back to his election, at the age of 23, as the Social Democratic Party member for Ross, Cromarty and Skye.
Renowned BBC broadcaster Kate Adie will talk about her experience reporting on world events and major conflicts. As the BBC’s Chief News Correspondent she covered breaking news in war torn countries such as the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.
Other participants include:
- Tony Singh, award-winning head chef and founder of Oloroso and Clarissa Dickson-Wright, chef and broadcaster will analyse the issues and politics of food production and healthy eating.
- Harry Benson, the internationally acclaimed Scottish photographer who has covered the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, joins forces with photojournalist Kieran Dodds. Together they will explore the changes in photojournalism from mid-20 th century to present day and beyond.
- Nick Barley, Director of The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City will chair a debate on Olympic and Commonwealth Games bids as a catalyst for urban regeneration.
On Sunday 26 August the Festival of Politics will host an "open doors day" style event entitled Open Parliament. The event is free and visitors will be invited to explore behind the scenes at Holyrood.
Presiding Officer, Alex Fergusson, MSP, said:
"Over the last two years the Festival of Politics has proven to be a great success. A welcome addition to the Edinburgh festivals’ calendar, it has attracted thousands of visitors into the building to engage in open discussion and debate.
"We look forward, once again, to welcoming people to the Parliament to hear from a fascinating line up of well known faces from the worlds of politics, media and the arts, to visit our international photographic exhibition and to enjoy exploring all aspects of political life."
Holyrood’s debating chamber will again play host to a theatre production when The Rowan Tree Theatre Company will perform its production of Sir Walter Scott’s Heart of Midlothian, The Journey of Jeannie Deans.
Scottish playwright Judy Steel’s adaptation of Scott’s classic dramatises the personal experience of the Scots in the decades immediately following the Act of Union.
Festival goers will also have the opportunity to view the World Press Photo Exhibition - one of the world’s largest and most prestigious photographic exhibitions.
The Exhibition displays nearly 200 images showcasing the best of press photography from across the globe. Last year it proved to be a huge draw, attracting nearly 30,000 visitors over its run.
The Open Parliament day will offer a range of family focussed events including a series of educational and fun activities. Visitors can explore behind the scenes at the Parliament, visit the "hidden" garden and follow the family trail to win a prize.
Background
The Festival of Politics programme 2007 includes:
Friday 24 August
Charles Kennedy in Conversation
Charles Kennedy MP gives an insight into his political career from 1983 to present day. Elected as party leader of the Liberal Democrats in 1999 he presided over the chapter in the party’s history, which culminated in the return of 63 MPs to Westminster during the 2005 general election. Chaired by Alex Fergusson, MSP, Presiding Officer.
Food for Thought!
A recent British Medical Association report indicates that there are one million obese children in the UK . Research has identified causal links between child behaviour and food additives. Chef and broadcaster Clarissa Dickson-Wright and founder of Oloroso, Tony Singh discuss attitudes to food and healthy living in Scotland. Chaired by Alasdair Morgan, MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer.
The Journey of Jeannie Deans
The Rowan Tree Theatre Company brings its production of Judy Steel’s reworking of Sir Walter Scott’s novel, The Heart of Midlothian to the Scottish Parliament.
Saturday 25 August
Gold Medal Cities?
Cities involved in Olympic and Commonwealth Games bids have, in recent years, been using them as a driver for large regeneration projects. These projects come at a huge cost. Key speakers involved in the Barcelona, London and Glasgow bids debate the pros and cons of such initiatives. Chaired by Nick Barley, Director, The Lighthouse.
Kate Adie – Dispatches from the Frontline
One of the UK ’s most respected journalists reflects on a career which has taken her to some of the world’s most dangerous locations reporting major conflicts and events.
Life of the Lens – The Changing Face of Photojournalism
Since the invention of the camera, photojournalism has played an instrumental role in keeping people informed of world news and documenting historical events. Modern technology such as the internet has dramatically changed the industry creating a demand for instant news updates. Internationally acclaimed photographer Harry Benson and award-winning photojournalist Keiran Dodds explore the impact on the profession and speculate on future developments.
Sunday 26 August
Open Parliament @ The Festival of Politics
A unique opportunity to look behind the scenes at the Scottish Parliament’s workings and the iconic building in which it is housed. During the day there is a programme of stimulating, educational and fun events for all the family.
Tickets for Festival of Politics Events
£5 (£3) Advance booking recommended.
Concessions: age 5 to 16; age 60 and over; students; unemployed and disabled people.
Open Parliament day is free and unticketed.
Tickets available:
- Online at www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
- In person or by post:
Hub Tickets
The Hub, Castlehill
Edinburgh , EH21 2NE - By telephone: 0131 473 2000. Calls via RNID Typetalk: 18001 0131 473 2000
- In person at the Scottish Parliament.
Full details of the Festival programme are available: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
Media Accreditation - Media interested in covering any of the Festival of Politics events should send an email detailing their name, publication, contact details and which event they would like to cover to: [email protected]
Media will be accredited for events in August and are invited, at this stage, to indicate their interest in attending events. Please note that some events may be oversubscribed but every effort will be made to accommodate requests where possible.
The Parliament's media contact is:
Susan Gray: 0131 348 6245 RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
email: [email protected]
For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999
(local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: [email protected]
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk