Edinburgh TV Festival 2026: A week of Powerful Discussions, Connection and Good Vibes

Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most popular and scenic cities, beloved by visitors from near and far. At this time of year, it becomes the epicentre of a diverse array of events, including the famous Military Tattoo and the renowned Edinburgh Fringe, not to mention its impressive list of tourist attractions. While all of these are undoubtedly captivating, my purpose here is to experience something truly remarkable: the prestigious Edinburgh TV Festival.

Held at the EICC this year from 25th to 28th August 2026, the Edinburgh TV Festival brings together leading figures from the TV and streaming industries, including directors, commissioning executives, change makers, and familiar faces from modern pop culture. The festival’s aim is to provide delegates with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow in meaningful ways, ultimately inspiring them to unlock their own ambitions and goals.

As a first-time attendee, I was eager to immerse myself in as much of the festival as possible.

Tuesday 25th August 2026

Opening Session - Speakers - Fatima Salaria - Chair, Edinburgh TV Festival & Adam Hawkins, Director, Documentary Series  (Netflix)

As this year’s delegates filtered smoothly into the EICC—thanks to an efficient accreditation and registration process—there was time to greet familiar faces and get oriented. Before long, it was time to dive into the festival’s exciting itinerary. I made my way to The Moorfoot, where Fatima Salaria, Chair of the Edinburgh TV Festival, and Advisory Chair Adam Hawkins welcomed everyone warmly.

Before looking ahead to the coming days, Fatima took the opportunity to explore Adam’s earliest memories of watching television and the types of shows that sparked his imagination. These formative experiences led him from humble beginnings as a runner, to becoming a show researcher for 'Faking It,' and ultimately to his current role as Director of Documentary Series at Netflix. This conversation offered not only fascinating insights but also served as an inspiring reminder of the many opportunities available behind the scenes for those interested in pursuing a career in the industry.

Building on this discussion, the pair highlighted some of the key sessions and events they were most looking forward to at this year’s festival. These included conversations with figures like footballer Gary Lineker, a range of panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. They also noted the exploration of timely themes, including the impact of AI on the industry, among others.

A central theme for this year’s festival is the rise of streaming platforms, with a particular focus on the rapid growth of YouTube and how it has transformed the way audiences consume media.

Amelia Dimoldenberg in Conversation (Moderated by Manori Ravindran)

Following the opening session, the first main discussion of the day featured International Correspondent Manori Ravindran from The Ankler, who welcomed special guest Amelia Dimoldenberg to the stage.

Best known for her web series 'Chicken Shop Date,' which she launched at just 20 years old, Amelia has since become a respected comedian, writer, producer, and content creator—always embracing her own unique style. During her conversation with Manori, they discussed everything from the early days of 'Chicken Shop Date,' to her collaboration with F1 for her YouTube series 'Passenger Princess,' as well as her journey of personal growth.

After a short highlights reel showcasing memorable moments with Amelia’s notable guests, Manori highlighted the Andrew Garfield episode, which went viral. She then asked Amelia about her editing process and thought patterns. Amelia explained that, even during the conversations themselves, she is already thinking ahead about what content will work best for each episode, while ensuring everything remains true to her authentic vision.

While Amelia’s journey has not been linear, it began in her mid-teens at her local youth club, where she first pursued her creative ambitions. Admirably, her appreciation for her youth club experience inspired her to launch her own academy—a four-to-five-week programme that equips young people with valuable knowledge and hands-on experience, all within a safe and supportive environment.

Before opening the floor to questions, Manori explored Amelia’s current projects—including her exciting work developing a young adult drama series for the BBC, influenced by classic shows such as 'Skins.' With creativity clearly flowing, it’s safe to say Amelia Dimoldenberg is just getting started.

Gary Lineker In Conversation with Adam Hawkins

The lively discussions continued at the Edinburgh TV Festival with the next session featuring sporting legend and household name Gary Lineker. According to Fatima Salaria, Chair of the Edinburgh TV Festival, this occasion was especially meaningful—after numerous attempts to invite Gary to the festival over the years, it was a significant milestone to finally welcome him as a guest.

Leading the discussion was Adam Hawkins, who worked very closely with Gary over the years, especially during the recent FIFA World Cup in America. Starting at the very beginning, Adam explored Gary’s sporting career, which saw him play for his local club, Leicester, a special moment not just for Gary but also for his dad and grandad. Even though he was not particularly fond of playing in the wings, as in his own words ‘I was shit’ the club nevertheless still kept placing him in that position, but as a young whipper snapper, Gary was just happy to be on the field so was grateful for any position he got.

After his football career ended, Adam asked Gary what motivated him to pursue broadcasting and presenting rather than journalism. Having experimented with radio, Gary explained that broadcasting felt like a natural progression. When Des Lynam left to join ITV, Gary was offered the opportunity to replace him at the BBC, opening the door to becoming a household name through shows like 'Match of the Day,' beloved by football fans nationwide.

Of course, long-time fans will also associate Gary with his memorable partnership with Walkers crisps. To celebrate this, Adam played the famous advert that first aired in 1995 and was filmed in Gary’s hometown of Leicester. Gary delighted the audience by sharing several humorous anecdotes from the shoot.

Having delved into Gary’s formative years, Adam then moves on to explore Goalhanger, which, to date, has become a leading British podcast production company and one that Gary co-founded with friends Tony Pastor and Jack Davenport. What is interesting to note is that it is much more than sports-related; there are other topics such as history, and a teaser to introduce food, too. Adam Hawkins jokes with Gary, asking him when he would be releasing his cookbook.

Given the breadth of Gary’s phenomenal career, there was so much ground to cover, and with only an hour for the session, it felt as though we had merely scratched the surface. Nonetheless, his many achievements stand as a testament to his character—the man, the myth, the legend.

Wednesday 26th August 2026

With day one of the Edinburgh TV Festival providing a great introduction, I couldn’t wait for day two, which promised a jam-packed lineup. Walking into the EICC, the atmosphere was electric—a true gathering of curious minds eager to exchange knowledge and insights.

Opening Debate: Who Controls The Future

The first stop on my itinerary was the Edinburgh TV Festival Opening Debate, themed 'Who Controls The Future.' The discussion, led and moderated by BBC Analysis Editor Ross Atkins, tackled pressing questions about whether platforms like YouTube or Netflix are truly as problematic as some suggest.

Global Icon Interview: Sir Gary Oldman

Each year at the TV Festival, organisers are passionate about recognising the lifetime achievements of industry figures who continue to excel. This year, the Global Icon Award was bestowed on none other than Sir Gary Oldman, whose acting career has taken on a life of its own.

Although he did not take the conventional route expected of institutions like RADA—having left school at 16—Gary always knew he wanted to pursue something he loved. Before delving into Gary’s remarkable journey, moderator Edith Bowman began with a video montage showcasing his versatility, featuring roles from 'Batman,' 'Dracula,' 'Air Force One,' 'Harry Potter,' 'Darkest Hour,' 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,' and 'Sid and Nancy,' to name just a few.

What stood out to me during this conversation was Gary’s humility and gratitude for the opportunities life has given him—opportunities that were made possible by Channel 4 in its early years, which gave a young Gary Oldman his first big break in TV and film. He was candid in admitting that becoming a ‘famous actor’ does not happen overnight; it requires hard work, discipline, and resilience through both highs and lows.

As the conversation between Gary and Edith unfolded, you could sense the rapt attention of everyone in the room as Gary shared anecdotes and humorous glimpses into life on set, as well as discussing his most recent project, the British spy thriller series 'Slow Horses,' now entering its sixth season.

Before concluding the conversation, Edith had one last surprise for Gary in recognition of his Global Icon award—a series of personal video messages from some familiar faces at his favorite football club, Manchester United: Gary Neville and legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Standing at the podium, Gary expressed heartfelt thanks to those who had believed in him—especially his friends and family, without whom he said he could not have achieved anything. As he accepted the award, he took a final moment to thank the audience. The standing ovation that followed was a touching tribute to his achievements and character.

Agatha Christie: Adapting an Iconic Storytelling Brand for Modern Audiences with Edith Bowman

One of the wonderful aspects of the Edinburgh TV Festival programme is the diversity of topics, allowing attendees to create a bespoke itinerary based on their interests. As a devoted murder-mystery enthusiast and die-hard Poirot fan, I didn’t hesitate when I saw a panel discussion on Agatha Christie—I made my way to the session without a second thought.

The engaging conversation was led by the ever-enthusiastic Edith Bowman, joined by writers Phoebe Éclair-Powell and Benji Walters, BBC Studios Chief Content Director Jon Farrar, CEO Robert Schildhouse, and Chairman and CEO of Agatha Christie Limited, James Pritchard.

Robert began by proudly noting that BRITBOX is the only streaming platform with a dedicated library for Agatha Christie shows. As an American, he found it fascinating how British murder mysteries offer something uniquely captivating—a testament to Agatha Christie’s distinctive style as a writer.

Robert and the rest of the panel agreed that platforms like BRITBOX ensure Agatha Christie’s stories continue to thrive. The streaming service provides both devoted fans and newcomers with a dedicated space to enjoy the gripping adventures of characters like Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot.

Moving on to James Pritchard—not only Chair and CEO of Agatha Christie Limited but also the grandson of the legendary writer—he offered special insight into the balance involved in adapting his grandmother’s work for the screen while ensuring alignment with the values of Agatha Christie Limited. James shared that, for the most part, clear communication and open discussions are essential, and, in the case of BRITBOX, this process has been positive overall.

A highlight of the discussion was when Phoebe Éclair-Powell and Benji Walters shared their creative projects—Phoebe has been instrumental in developing a new series based on Agatha Christie’s lesser-known characters, Tommy & Tuppence, blending classic crime-solving with modern rom-com vibes. Meanwhile, Benji Walters is working on a prequel exploring the origins of the world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot.

Both Benji and, to some extent, James shared that with iconic actors like David Suchet and more recently Kenneth Branagh portraying the Belgian detective, introducing a new face can be a risk—it’s essential to maintain alignment with the character as Agatha Christie originally wrote. James also expressed his hope to see Miss Marple given her moment in the spotlight, as he feels she has too often lived in Hercule Poirot’s shadow.

When the floor was opened to audience questions, I seized the opportunity and asked a couple myself:

What has been the most rewarding part of preserving the creative voice of Agatha Christie while also adapting it in fresh and new ways?

James: My grandmother didn't die until 2004; my father's still around. And I think to be able to run a business that is about someone who you care deeply about, your family cares deeply about, who the whole world sort of thinks they know, is really exciting. It can be quite stressful.

But actually, it is fun, and different because we obviously have all this TV stuff, but we also have books, plays, and audio. And it's a very extraordinary thing. There's an emotional attachment, which I think, I remember doing various jobs as I grew up, and I always wanted to do something that you really care about and everyone around you really cares about.

And I do now have that privilege of working in a business which I care passionately about, but also everyone around us, both who works within the company, but also people we work with, they care about and they get that. And I think that does add something to everything.

Robert: Something you've got to consider. Yeah, and we're in a partnership with James, and we respect all of that passion and the history that James is bringing to those projects. And I think what I see when we have those conversations and dialogues is just the creative energy that sits behind them.

Because I think, particularly with Hercule, just the reimagining of how you can tell those stories I think can only come from someone who lives and breathes that every day and is so passionate about it and so invested in finding fresh angles and fresh ways to tell those magnificent stories. So yeah, it's absolutely something we think about. A significant percentage of our programming on Brickbox comes from underlying IP, or adaptations from books.

Agatha Christie is the most famous canon, but almost everything comes from some source material. And our fans let us know. And it's not just comments on Reddit, subreddits or wherever. I get mail. People literally write me letters about their feelings about certain things.

As both a die-hard fan and someone genuinely interested in the creative process behind some of the nation’s most beloved shows, I left that session feeling enriched and excited that, even in 2026, the works of authors like Agatha Christie continue to thrive—and long may that continue.

Comedy Showcase

The Edinburgh TV Festival is not just about panel talks and sit-down conversations; it also offers a platform to highlight emerging talent. Armed with a box of popcorn, I made my way to Tinto for the comedy showcase.

Hosted by SNL UK writer Bella Hull, the comedy showcase gave delegates a taste of the action with comedy’s rising stars. For an hour of laughter and fun, we were treated to performances from Abi Clarke, Roger O’Sullivan, Hasan Al-Habib, Marty Gleason, Kate Dolan, and Dom McGovern.

It was hard to pick a favourite, as each performer delivered a memorable set with their own unique style, forging a strong connection with the audience. All six were fantastic, natural entertainers—definitely ones to watch in the weeks and months ahead.

The James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture: Pedro Pina, Vice President of YouTube in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

For those new to the TV Festival, the James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture has become an integral part of the schedule year after year. With YouTube’s increased presence this year, it felt fitting for festival organisers to invite Pedro Pina to deliver this year’s lecture.

Pedro gave such a powerful and impactful lecture where he discussed the following key themes in great detail:

The Resilience and Evolution of British Television: Pina boldly challenged the narrative that British TV is in decline due to online platforms like YouTube. Instead, he presents evidence that traditional TV continues to command large audiences and remains culturally vital.

Changing Viewing Habits and Platform Synergy: He discussed how viewers now access content across multiple screens and platforms, including a return to watching online video on living room TVs. The relationship between traditional broadcasters and online platforms is painted as complementary rather than adversarial.

Historical Perspective on Media Disruption: Drawing parallels with the advent of photography and cinema, Pina argued that new media forms typically enhance rather than destroy existing ones. He used art history to illustrate that new creative technologies prompt existing media to clarify and focus on their unique strengths.

Golden Ages Triggered by Innovation and Demand: Pina suggested the current era holds the potential for a third “Golden Age of Television,” driven by technological innovation, creative talent, and heightened audience demand—much as previous golden ages were.

The Power and Promise of the Creator Economy: He highlighted how platforms like YouTube democratize creative careers, citing statistics on UK creator success, job creation, and the global reach of British content. He noted the increasing crossover of online creators into mainstream media.

Meritocracy and Diversity in Media: Pina emphasised the meritocratic nature of online platforms, noting that success is based on quality and audience connection rather than traditional gatekeeping. This enables greater diversity of voices and content.

Collaboration, Not Competition, Between TV and Online Platforms: The speech  then pointed to the benefits of partnerships (e.g., BBC and YouTube) and argues that the interests of broadcasters and online platforms are aligned in many ways, especially in reaching global audiences and supporting public service media.

Adapting to the New Media Landscape: Pina advised traditional TV to focus on its unique strengths—such as sparking national conversations, producing high-budget drama, and maintaining editorial standards—while learning from the authenticity and data-driven experimentation of online creators.

Policy and Regulation Concerns: He voiced opposition to regulatory measures like “forced prominence” for public service media, arguing that they could undermine the diversity and meritocracy enabled by platforms like YouTube.

A Call to Embrace Opportunity and Innovation: The speech concluded with a call for the industry to adapt, discover new talent, and innovate, positioning the present as a time of unprecedented creative opportunity rather than decline.

I’m sure many would agree that I left the lecture feeling hopeful and inspired. Pedro Pina’s message was one of optimism: YouTube and online platforms are not the villains, but partners in a vibrant, evolving media ecosystem. By embracing these opportunities, British television can step into a new global Golden Age.

Thursday 27th August 2026

Sky Breakfast (Thursday)

Arriving early and determined to make the most of my final day at the Edinburgh TV Festival, I started with a freshly made breakfast courtesy of Sky—much-needed fuel for the day ahead. It was also a chance to chat with new friends, catch up on emails, or simply enjoy a moment of calm.

Spotlight On... YouTube UK & Ireland

With so much focus on YouTube this year, it was an easy decision to attend this discussion. Moderated by TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan, we first heard from Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK, about the platform’s journey so far—emphasizing that YouTube is truly for everyone.

Dan McGolphin, Director of BBC iPlayer and TV Channels, then joined the conversation. He explained how the BBC uses its dedicated YouTube channel primarily as a marketing tool, sharing short-form content and show highlights. Finally, Scott Bryan invited Specs Gonzalez to share his perspective. Specs spoke openly and honestly about how YouTube has been integral to his journey as a content creator—a valuable platform that helped him to be seen and heard, especially in his early years.

From Big Tech to Public Service: BBC Director-General Matt Brittin CBE

Having served as BBC Director-General for just 102 days, Matt Brittin CBE sat down with journalist, writer, and author Kirsty Wark, giving delegates a unique opportunity to hear from him directly. With his Big Tech background, Kirsty was eager to learn more about his past and his vision for the future. As moderator, Kirsty did not shy away from bold, pressing questions—such as whether greater diversity could be expected at the top of the BBC—which Matt addressed thoughtfully.

It was encouraging to hear that, in his first 100+ days, Matt Brittin has made an effort to visit many parts of the BBC’s infrastructure—not just to observe processes, but, more importantly, to listen to the views and concerns of staff on the ground. His key takeaway: maintaining open dialogue is essential if the BBC is to move forward positively.

After a very insightful conversation, the floor was opened to questions. As expected for such a high-profile guest, the audience had many burning questions, all of which Matt Brittin answered respectfully and professionally. Based on first impressions, I have a good feeling about Matt Brittin—he brings fresh insight and seems genuinely committed to making a meaningful impact, which can only be a positive sign.

Edinburgh TV Awards 2026

After a day of insightful talks and discussions, it was time to head to The Pentland for the festival’s highlight: the famous Edinburgh TV Festival Awards. Held annually, these awards are now woven into the very fabric of the event, shining a light on and celebrating the very best in television production, storytelling, and performance—recognising talent both on and off screen.

Comedians Maisie Adam and Suzi Ruffell kept the evening running smoothly, their dynamic partnership and sharp wit ensuring everyone stayed in high spirits.

Some of the winners on the night included Cancer Detectives: Finding the Cures, which won Best Branded Entertainment; SNL UK, which won Best Comedy Series; What It Feels Like For A Girl, which won Best Drama; and actor Ellis Howard of the same show, who was named Breakthrough Performance.

Unsurprisingly, 'Celebrity Traitors' won Best Entertainment or Reality Series, while Davina McCall was visibly moved and grateful to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award.

For the 2026 Awards, there were a set of new categories as well, which included Best Visualised Podcast, won by the mighty Steve Bracknall; TV PHD Live Pitch Award, won by Nathan Cornish; and Broadcaster of The Year and PSB of The Year, both won by the BBC.

Seeing so much talent celebrated so positively was truly moving—and a fitting way to end the penultimate day in style.

From talks and networking to laughter, connection, and awards, there is something truly special about being at the Edinburgh TV Festival. I am deeply grateful to have finally experienced it for myself. This is more than just a festival—it is a gathering of like-minded people passionate about making their voices heard, especially in a time when the creative industries face many uncertainties. The key takeaway: hope is your greatest superpower.

The festival will move to its new home in Manchester in 2027, ushering in an exciting new chapter. Tickets and further information will be available in due course.

Article By Thushara S. Chandrasiri, Photography Courtesty of Edinburgh TV Festival