Festival of Politics | Coming August 2010 |
International outlook for day two of Festival
The Festival of Politics takes on an international flavour on day two of the 2009 programme. Debates and discussions of a political theme will take audiences from the British Empire to China via the world wide web.
The morning starts with contrasting sessions examining two sides of politics – what happens in political institutions such as the European Union and how politics affects everything, even activities such as festivals.
In the Main Chamber, BBC Scotland’s Brian Taylor will chair a discussion on the European Parliament entitled: “Europe’s Parliament – Early Hopes and New Ambitions”. Thirty years on from the first direct elections to the European Parliament, Dr Winnie Ewing will join MEPs and members of the public to consider the progress made and what work there is still to do.
In Committee Room 3, the focus is on the politics of festivals. Nancy Nicolson from the Grey Coast Theatre Company and Tommy Sheppard, director of The Stand Comedy Club/Scottish Comedy Agency, are just two of the guests joining Cathy Peattie MSP for a debate about the role politics should or should not play in culture and festivals.
In the afternoon, historian Tom Devine will describe how our small country helped to mould new nations across the globe, before exploring why the Scots have had such a remarkable influence on world development. Meanwhile, The Law Society of Scotland and Young Scot host a session to consider whether the internet really can help people to get involved in the democratic process – asking if the web really is the way forward for politics.
And in Committee Room 3, Tom McCabe MSP will welcome British firm Arup, which has been employed to deliver an eco-city in Dongtan in China. With London also expressing interest in the initiative, the panel session will explore how Scotland might become involved in the move towards carbon-neutral living.
Background
Last year’s critically acclaimed Festival of Politics proved so popular that the programme has been extended to five days, running from 18-22 August. The Festival presents a diverse programme of events bringing together politics, media and the arts through performance, discussion and debate.
On their way to and from events, visitors will be able to view the 52nd World Press Photo exhibition with striking images taken by the world’s leading photojournalists, often depicting dramatic, life-changing world events, lining the public entrance. Photographic events for the public will take place alongside this year’s Festival sessions.
Programme availability and tickets
Online from www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
By telephone: 0131 473 2000 (calls via RNID Typetalk: 18001 0131 473 2000)
By post: to the Festival of Politics, Hub Tickets, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE.
In person: The Scottish Parliament or 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.
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
EAE Leaflet Marketing Specialists
The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City
The contact for members of the media is:
Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6265
RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
Email: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk
Isla Mair: 0131 348 6269
RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
Email: isla.mair@scottish.parliament.uk
For further Information on the Festival of Politics:
For further Information on World Press Photo:
For public information enquiries, contact:
Telephone: 0131 348 5000 / 0800 092 7500 (Public Enquiries) / 0131 348 5395 (Gàidhlig)
Textphone users can contact us on 0800 092 7100. We also welcome calls using the RNID Typetalk service. Email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
You can now get in touch with the Parliament by text message. Our interactive service enables you to get the name of your MSP by sending your postcode, lets you ask questions about the Parliament and its work, and enables you to request a selection of free leaflets. The number to take advantage of is 07786 209888. Texts are charged at standard network rates. More details can be found on our Text Service page.
.
