MPs to question Edinburgh festivals on boosting Scotland’s international profile
The Scottish Affairs Committee will examine the role of the Edinburgh Festivals in boosting Scotland’s profile overseas, in the fourth evidence session of its inquiry on Promoting Scotland Internationally.
Ahead of Edinburgh’s summer festival season, MPs will hear from organisers of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in a session focused on promoting Scotland’s cultural and creative sectors abroad.
In evidence submitted to the Committee, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce described events like the Fringe and Military Tattoo as “ideal” events to “bang the drum for Scotland”. While evidence from VisitScotland described music and festivals as a “hugely important” hook in attracting international visitors to Scotland.
Likely areas of questioning
Likely topics for discussion include:
- how the UK Government supports the Edinburgh festivals
- the number of visitors and performers festivals draw
- the challenges festivals face in achieving further international success.
Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are three of the within the Edinburgh Festivals ‘umbrella’.