Scotland’s screen bodies are working on a new Edinburgh-based festival for the media and creative industries as the TV Festival moves to Manchester.

Màiri McAllan Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic confirmed the news at a launch event on the penultimate night of the festival. “Baby Reindeer” creator Richard Gadd was among the attendees at the event.

Screen Scotland are developing the new event with an eye to integrating it with other creative festivals that run in the city throughout August, including the Edinburgh Fringe and Edinburgh International Film Festival. Consultant Rowan Woods has been appointed to explore the idea, funded by Screen Scotland and delivered through The Fringe Society. Woods will consult widely with various stakeholders – including the other festivals as well as venues, broadcasters and producers – to establish the scope and shape of the event.

Consultation is expected to wrap in spring 2027 with a pilot planned for next summer.

Screen Scotland has already confirmed it will establish a new debate format, titled the Lynda Myles Debate, as part of the offering, named for Lynda Myles, formerly director of the EIFF and co-creator of the Edinburgh TV Festival.

“We are so proud of Scotland’s screen sector and this exciting addition to the August festivals line-up will provide a new way to embrace the creativity and cultural innovation which makes our capital unique,” said McAllan. “As a global hotbed of emerging talent, where new voices are heard and fresh stories are told, Edinburgh will continue its world-leading offer for the television industry with the support of the Scottish Government – and will do so alongside our other Edinburgh festivals, showcasing brilliance across artforms.”

Earlier this year the TV Festival, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year, confirmed it would be moving to Manchester from 2027.