23 August 2008

POLITICS, MEDIA AND YOUTH COME TOGETHER FOR FESTIVAL FINALE

What brings together an award-winning photojournalist, a political comedian and Scotland's young people in the Scottish Parliament today?

All will be sharing their thoughts on such global issues as poverty, human rights and climate change on the final day of the Parliament's award-winning Festival of Politics.

Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP said: "The Festival of Politics offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how politics is part of everyone's lives. We attract around 3000 people to our Festival – who want to hear from not only experienced politicians such as Denis Healey and Douglas Hurd, but also about the human impact of policy and how people can bring about change.

"That is why carers of children with learning difficulties, peace campaigners, young people who are passionate about the environment and campaigners against human trafficking will all feature as part of this year's programme. Placing them at the heart of our debate is key to the success of our Festival of Politics and with many of our events having sold out, it is plain that there is considerable public interest in these issues."

Platon, the winner of the Portrait section of this year's World Press Photo competition, which is on display at the Parliament until 30 August, will examine the political and social tone of his work and how he captures striking images.

In the Debating Chamber at 5pm and closing the Festival this year is political comedian Mark Thomas. He will discuss how he uses comedy and other non-conventional methods to make serious political points and empower people.

Young people from across Scotland will discuss their findings in the Parliament today, having participated in a residential weekend to look at the impact of climate change earlier this year.

Today's events also feature a discussion on small nations and independence from writer and former diplomat Paul Scott, while the issue of social inequality will be explored by Guardian journalists Polly Toynbee and David Walker.

Sessions take place throughout the day and public and media are invited to attend in the Main Chamber and Committee Rooms. Events in the Main Chamber will be webcast live at www.holyrood.tv.

A full programme can be obtained at www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk or from the Parliament's media relations office, contact details below.

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 (£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

The parliament’s media contact is:

Sally Coyne tel: 0131 348 6265
RNID Type Talk calls welcome
Email: [email protected]

Isla Mair tel: 0131 348 6269
RNID Type Talk 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