The Edinburgh International Book Festival
We are the Edinburgh International Book Festival – a global leader in celebrating literature, ideas, and the power of words. Since our founding in 1983, we’ve welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to engage with the world’s most inspiring and thought-provoking writers, thinkers, artists, and performers. Each year, we curate a bold and imaginative programme of events that captivate audiences in Edinburgh and around the world. From live stage conversations and creative workshops to masterclasses and think tanks, every event is shaped by a spirit of open, meaningful dialogue.
Driven by a passionate team, we believe in the power of storytelling to ignite imagination, foster connection, and challenge perspectives. Our mission is not just to spark conversation—but to deepen and expand it. We strive to be a space where ideas take root and dialogue thrives. At the core of our festival is a strong commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. We champion underrepresented voices and work to remove barriers for those who may not see themselves reflected in traditional literary spaces. Beyond our summer festival, we run year-round outreach programmes—partnering with schools, libraries, prisons, hospitals, and community centres—to nurture a lifelong love of reading across all ages and backgrounds.
To reach even more people, we also stream hundreds of events online through a Pay What You Can model, ensuring those unable to attend in person can still be part of the experience. For over four decades, we’ve evolved with the times—adapting our approach to meet a rapidly changing world. In 2024, we entered an exciting new chapter under the leadership of our new director, Jenny Niven, and relocated to our new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, where we’ll return in 2025.
