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News release 27 June 2008
Book tickets online at Hub Tickets or telephone 0131 473 2000.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE SEE NEWS RELEASE 13 AUGUST 2008 FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET A REFUND FOR TICKETS PURCHASED
ANNIE LENNOX TO HEADLINE FESTIVAL OF POLITICS 2008
Annie Lennox is to headline this year's Festival of Politics, it was announced today by the Scottish Parliament. Ms Lennox will take centre stage on Wednesday 20 August in Holyrood's debating chamber to talk about her involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa , which she says is 'essentially about fundamental human rights.'
Now in its fourth year, the award winning Festival of Politics runs from Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 August and features twenty eight sessions many with famous faces from the world of politics, the arts and the media including:
- Two heavy weights from different sides of the political spectrum Denis Healey and Douglas Hurd talking about their political careers on Thursday 21 August.
- Actor Simon Callow sharing his personal experiences of Britain 's changing attitudes to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people.
- Peace campaigners Arun Gandhi , grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and Mairéad Corrigan-Maguire , Nobel Peace Prize winner, on how we might work to end violence in the new millennium.
- Photojournalist Platon on the political and social resonance of photography.
- Political activist and comedian Mark Thomas on alternative ways to empower people.
Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP, said:
"The Festival of Politics has become a firm favourite in the events calendar attracting thousands of visitors through the doors of Holyrood in the last three years.
"The main theme of this year's Festival is 'Global Issues - National Perspectives' and I hope as many people as possible will come to the Parliament to see, hear and take part in our events. With contributions from a range of high profile and thought-provoking guests, visitors are sure to be intrigued, amused and challenged."
International music star Annie Lennox will talk about her SING project, which uses music to educate people about HIV/AIDS and raise funds for the organisation, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). She will also talk about her involvement with Nelson Mandela's 46664 Foundation which fights the impact of HIV/AIDS.
Speaking ahead of visiting the Parliament, Ms Lennox said:
"Being invited to open for the Scottish Festival of Politics gives me another wonderful opportunity to highlight the subject of the African HIV/AIDS pandemic. I believe the issue is essentially about fundamental
human rights, especially when it comes to the rights of women and children
living in conditions of chronic and endemic poverty."
Festival goers will also have the chance to see all the award winning images from this year's World Press Photo Exhibition or take part in Parliamentary Questions. Always a firm favourite at the Festival of Politics participants can join in debate with some of the Parliament's leading politicians when MSPs from across the parties consider topical questions.
And for the first time, the Parliament is working with the Carnegie Festival and hosting joint sessions, including the Youth Politics Festival where young people will have the chance to express their views on the most important global issues for youth in Scotland .
The contact for members of the media is:
Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6265 RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
Email: [email protected]
Background
The full Festival of Politics programme 2008 is available on the Scottish Parliament's website at www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
Highlights include:
Wednesday 20 August
Annie Lennox and the SING campaign
International singer-songwriter Annie Lennox has become a leading activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Join her as she talks about her personal experience of the disease in Africa , and the actions that we can all take in fighting the pandemic. Chaired by Alex Fergusson, MSP , Presiding Officer.
Gladder to be Gay?
Actor Simon Callow shares his personal experiences of Britain 's changing attitudes towards LGBT people and discusses what is still to be done to achieve full equality. Chaired by Trish Godman MSP , Deputy Presiding Officer.
Thursday 21 August
A Life in Politics: Denis Healey
One time leftwing firebrand and elder statesman of the Labour Party Denis Healey talks about a political career that spanned the 'Winter of Discontent' to Labour's rise from the ashes with the election of Tony Blair. Chaired by Alex Fergusson MSP, Presiding Officer.
A Life in Politics: Douglas Hurd
Douglas Hurd was one of the most enduring members of the Thatcher and Major governments. From his time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to his role as Foreign Secretary don't miss the opportunity to hear some fascinating insights into the Thatcher-Major era. Chaired by Alasdair Morgan MSP , Deputy Presiding Officer.
Friday 22 August
Iraq - War on Terror or Conflict Without End?
Five years on from the US and UK led invasion of Iraq and the global terror threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime the war appears no closer to ending.
Hear what author, journalist and Daily Mail columnist Peter Oborne thinks about the actions of the West and his experiences filming for Channel 4's Dispatches series about the current political and military situation in Iraq .
Saturday 23 August
Moving Portraits
Platon this years' winner of the Portrait section of the 2008 World Press Photo competition will discuss the political and social resonance of his work and how he captures award winning images.
Politics - a Funny Old Business? Mark Thomas in Conversation
Political activist and comedian Mark Thomas discusses the issues that are important to him and how he uses comedy and other non-conventional methods to make serious political points and empower people.
Programme availability and tickets:
Copies of the programme and tickets are available:
- Online from: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk .
- 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.
While most events are free, a small number of events will charge £6.00 (£3.50 concession) with those wishing to attend advised to book in advance.
Full details of the festival programme are available from www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
Festival Partners
This year's Festival of Politics is delivered in formal partnership with:
Carnegie UK Trust and the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust
The Law Society of Scotland
The Scotsman
For public information enquiries, contact:
0131 348 5000; Textphone: 0131 558 7676, RNID Type talk calls welcome
Email: [email protected]
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk