Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates huge success in first year in new home
Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates huge success in first year in new home with new Director Jenny Niven - 100k visitors, almost 600 events and 55 countries watching online.
Article Source: Edinburgh International Book Festival
Last Updated: 26 August 2024 10:17
• Over 100k visits were made to the Book Festival’s new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute from 10-25 August for first programme from new Director Jenny Niven
• Authors, poets, politicians, musicians, thinkers and illustrators including Margaret Atwood, Richard Osman, Salman Rushdie, Blindboy, Sarah Pascoe, RF Kuang, Naomi Alderman, Jess Phillips took to stage and screen for almost 600 events
• Over 200 events sold to 90% capacity or more
• Audiences from 55 countries joined online for pay what you can events - many of which are still available to watch
• Over 4,500 school children from 89 schools across Scotland were transported to the Festival (31 groups free of charge), to attend free events and take home a free book each
• EIBF authors took part in 12 visits to hospitals and prisons across Scotland
• Thousands of local residents were introduced to Edinburgh Futures Institute for the first time
Over 100k visits were made to Edinburgh International Book Festival’s new home at the newly opened Edinburgh Futures Institute from 10-25 August 2024, with ticket and book sales significantly up on previous years, and thousands of curious passers-by exploring and enjoying the new site, amongst the heart of Edinburgh’s festival action.
Future Tense, the first Book Festival programme to unfold under new Director Jenny Niven, tackled topics of global importance ranging from AI to the climate crisis, capitalism to the war in the Middle East, migration to inheritance, and more besides. Legendary authors, writers, poets, thinkers and entertainers including Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie (who joined down the line), Richard Osman, Dolly Alderton, Alan Cumming & Forbes Masson, Phillipa Gregory, Jackie Kay, James O’Brien, Lemn Sissay, Elif Shafak, Louise Welsh, Raja Shehadeh, Marian Keyes, Roger McGough appeared on stage, alongside RF Kuang, Blindboy, Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Evie Wyld, Julius Roberts, and Samantha Shannon. As well as greats from the literary sector, stars of music and film (Stuart Brathwaite of Mogwai, Esther Swift, Evelynn Glennie, Stuart Murdoch, Steven Moffat, Anjoa Andoh), theatre makers (including Grid Iron’s Ben Harrison), producers, publishers (many appearing as part of the Business of Books strand aimed at those in the industry, and artists (Ruth Millington, Kate Leiper) and actors also featured, bringing the multi disciplinary magic of the Edinburgh Festivals to life, right at the heart of the city.
This year saw a number of brand new types of events unfold, many celebrating cross-discipline collaboration, including the ambitious digital experience, Perambulations of a Justified Sinner and the intimate Have Lunch With… series at Elliott’s Studio, featuring chef-writers (Asma Khan, Sami Tamimi and Rachel Roddy). Clean Money: Can Fundraising Ever Be Ethical brought in audience members with a variety of views to discuss the detail and nuance of modern arts funding in a safe and supported space, and events including ThinkTanks offered audiences unparalleled access to world-class minds including Harold Hongju Koh, Ingrid Robeyns, Joseph Stiglitz and Ken Costa. Voices from across the political spectrum also joined the conversation, with appearances from John Swinney, Jess Phillips, Caroline Lucas, Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan.
Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of the Book Festival this year. Audiences have voted with their feet and we’ve seen full houses and brilliant, engaged crowds. Debate and discussion has been relished by audiences and authors alike proving the Festival is a truly important space for people to be inspired and come together.
Edinburgh Futures Institute as a Book Festival venue has been terrific and we’re already looking at the ways we can build on what we’ve created for next year. We’re looking forward to beginning conversations in the Autumn with everyone who will be part of our story in our next glorious edition.”
Over the course of the Festival, more than 4,500 school children from P1 to S6 were transported to the Festival, to attend free events and claim their very own free book, supported by the final instalment of Baillie Gifford’s funding. Also during August authors including Andrew O’Hagan, Amy Liptrot, Jenni Fagan and Joseph Coelho attended schools, prisons and local Reading Centres as part of the Book Festival’s year-round Communities programme.
Jamie Crawford, incoming Chair of the Edinburgh International Book Festival Board, said: “For the past two weeks, the excitement at this new chapter in the story of the book festival - from authors, staff and audiences - has been palpable. The new space at the Futures Institute has opened up a long-dormant part of the city, and it has clearly demonstrated its value and its huge potential for the future. As for right now, it is crucial to reflect on the great success of this year’s festival to underline the critical importance of literary culture to Edinburgh and Scotland. It is in everyone’s interests to support it and to see it thrive.”
The 2024 Edinburgh International Book Festival ran from 10 – 25 August, and took place for the first time at its new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place, made possible by a partnership with Edinburgh University.
This was the first year the Book Festival worked with Underbelly at the McEwan Hall to bring audiences the Front List strand of showstopper events.
Many of the 2024 events are still available to watch on demand. To do so, and for more information on Edinburgh International Book Festival, visit: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Edinburgh City FC Announces Sponsor Partnership with Nuffield Health
Edinburgh City Football Club (ECFC) of the Scottish Professional League (SPL) League 2, has partnered with Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest trading charity.
READ MORE
Autumnal styling, sandwiches and scones with Dobbies
For October, Dobbies Garden Centres has launched a brand new autumn edition of its hands-on planting experience, combined with a tasty Afternoon Tea.
READ MORE
SH Jewellery celebrates One Year of the Pre Loved Range with first in store Sale this weekend
Morningside gallery SH Jewellery has launched its Contemporary Jewellery Event in store this weekend, celebrating a whole year since the first Pre-Loved Range piece was sold.
READ MORE
New chef duo get on board with Fingal
Scotland’s ‘Hotel of the Year’ has appointed a new Head Chef and Restaurant Chef to lead culinary operations on board, including its 2 AA Rosette restaurant.
READ MORE
SAY Award unveils Longlist
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024's Longlist.
READ MORE
Unsigned band wrest sell out 2,000 capacity Barrowland Ballroom
Unsigned Edinburgh indie rock band wrest have sold out the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow - without industry support, a manager or label backing.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Leisure launches new pop up exhibition as part of Edinburgh 900
As part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations, Edinburgh Leisure, the largest sports and leisure facilities provider across the city will be launching a new pop-up exhibition on Monday 30 September.
READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2024
BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns later this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MORE
Celebrate spooky season at Edinburgh Zoo
Celebrate spooky season at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo with a range of family-friendly and adult-only events.
READ MORE
New Scottish music awards receives over 3000 nominations in first 48 hours
The recently launched Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA), in association with GO Radio, has seen an overwhelming response, receiving over 3000 nominations in just the first 2 days.
READ MORE
Sotto Enoteca and Trattoria to open in Stockbridge
Sotto, a neighbourhood Enoteca and Trattoria, will open in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge on Friday 4th October.
READ MORE
Courtney Bowman To Join Johannes Radebe and Dan Partridge in Kinky Boots at Edinburgh Playhouse
Producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce WhatsOnStage Award-winner, Courtney Bowman, will star as Lauren in KINKY BOOTS The Musical playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse in February!
READ MORE
Tiqets reveals Nominees for Annual Remarkable Venue Awards
Tiqets, the leading online ticketing platform for museums and attractions, today announced the nominees for the prestigious Remarkable Venue Awards 2024 (RVAs) including two in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Castle celebrates the 900th anniversary of the city with return of Castle of Light
Edinburgh is celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2024 with a spotlight on the capital's incredible journey from the 12th century to the 21st.
READ MORE
Where to Find the Best Christmas Parties in Edinburgh for 2024
With Christmas just around the corner, there's never been a better time to start thinking about your Edinburgh Christmas party!
READ MORE
Gravity Active launches incredible new deals, just in time for Autumn
Gravity Active is excited to introduce two brand new offers, set to provide families with unforgettable experiences this Autumn.
READ MORE
The Pakora Bar Say Cheers to New game changing Pale Ale
Iconic Edinburgh family business The Pakora Bar have announced the launch of their highly-anticipated pale ale 'Chakk De Phatte'.
READ MORE
Star Casting Announced For Chicago The Musical At The Edinburgh Playhouse
David Ian for Crossroads Live in assocoation with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce star casting for multi-awarding winning CHICAGO, which plays the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.
READ MORE
Conifox Adventure Park unveils ultimate Halloween Festival 2024
Prepare for a spine-tingling spooky season as Conifox Adventure Park proudly announces the return of Edinburgh’s ultimate Halloween Festival for 2024.
READ MORE
Join the V for Life Lunch Club
Hendersons, in collaboration with charity V for Life, is excited to announce a special lunch club event tailored for older vegans and vegetarians on Monday 23rd September.
READ MORE
Roxy Lanes Launch Student Discounts
Roxy Lanes, the ‘Booze & Ball Games’ venues, have launched a new selection of student discounts, available to claim through an exclusive student loyalty scheme, every Sunday to Thursday.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland
The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.
READ MORE
Local Social Enterprise Tackling Youth Food Poverty on National Food Bank Day
On National Food Bank Day, Edinburgh Food Social invites the community to join in their mission of empowering children through essential food education.
READ MORE
Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld
Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!
READ MORE
Lannan to host Midweek Recipes pop up by Jess Elliott
On Thursday 26th September, Lannan - Darcie Maher's Stockbridge bakery - will host a pop-up by Jess Elliott Dennison, food writer and founder of Elliott's, in celebration of Jess's new book.
READ MORE
The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen
Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.
READ MORE
Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go
Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?
READ MORE
Freshers... this bar NEEDS to be on your bucket list
What better way to break the ice with your new flatmates than with some competitive fun and few drinks? Cue Social Darts at Flight Club!
READ MORE
Social Bite joins The Pitt with dessert pop up
Leading homelessness charity Social Bite today announced their dessert pop-up as the newest addition to an exciting line up of local food businesses at The Pitt, Granton.
READ MORE
Unique venue offers the perfect stage
Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links