The Festival of Politics

Join us for a unique opportunity to chat with the legendary Dame Evelyn Glennie OBE and gain insights into her exceptional musical journey.

What are the geo-political repercussions for the West when we all face the global challenges of climate, poverty and health?

The plea of the world’s low-lying nations can no longer be ignored. Where is the will to act; and what needs to happen this year?

How do we revive the art of critical thinking, recognise the value of the ‘grey area’, and both parties making a discovery over being right?

Are volunteers vital for the delivery of public services in Scotland or is this contributing to the erosion of state-funded services?

It is the biggest European conflict since World War II and has left millions of Ukrainians displaced. How will it end?

How does ultra-processed food impact as a social injustice and what are policymakers and manufacturers doing to address it?

What have the gains and losses of devolution been? What do the next 25 years herald for each devolved nation?

What has inspired women of colour to enter politics, and/or be activists, and how has this intersected with their experiences as BME women?

What does it mean for democratic politics if 18-to-34-year-olds are disillusioned by conventional party politics?

What are the challenges for public service broadcasters, commercial streaming companies, and for us the audience, in today's era of TV?

Join us for a lively conversation with Michael Portillo, where we'll discuss his life, career, and current events.

How relevant are trade unions to a post-Covid flexible working workforce who may be self-employed or part of a globalized gig-economy?

How do we talk to boys and men in ways that will engage them and stop gender-based violence?

What was the immediate and longer impact of repealing Section 28 legislation on LGBTI+ teachers and pupils and changing societal attitudes?

What are the next steps if future generations of performers and audiences are to thrive and what’s the most sustainable funding model?

What can we learn from international models of land ownership, subsidy and use? How can Scotland create fair and sustainable communities?

Join the panel to discuss the realities of migrants and asylum seekers as they negotiate their rights to work, study, and live in the UK.

The panel discusses new ideas of how our economy should work: inclusive growth, social enterprise and a circular economy, among them.

Are current processes for developing public health messaging fit for purpose? How can we create health messages to reduce inequalities?

All political parties are committed to tackling child poverty, so why has more progress not been made? Does stigma hold back the debate?

What is Scotland doing post-COP on climate reparations, ethical consumerism, human rights, mediation and international development?

Is AI a tool with capacity to do unimaginably great good or does it really herald unimaginable harm that will culminate in human extinction?

Is ‘fly shaming’ obscuring the air industry’s drive and advances towards meeting net zero carbon targets by 2045?

How can politicians and the music industry work together to keep live venues open?

Gustavo Dudamel chats about his musical journey and experiences, and responds to the EIF's theme this year - Where do we go from here?

More info on Festival Café Bar's programme of free live music, choirs and exhibitions.