Manchester has today been announced as new host city for the prestigious TV Festival from 2027 onwards – bringing a Manchester twist to the long-standing and much-respected industry Festival, which has a history going back more than five decades and is regarded as the home of independent debate in TV.
Established in Edinburgh in 1976 and taking place in the Scottish capital every year since then, the move to Manchester follows a UK-wide strategic review into the annual event’s long-term future by the Festival’s board of directors, and follows an extensive consultation and competitive bidding process that was launched last year.
The choice of Manchester as the new home of the Festival reflects the success and strength of the screen sector in the city region and will see the city welcome national and international audiences to an event with growth, sustainability and diversity of the screen industry at its core.
The Festival is expected also to bring with it a significant economic boost to the region – with the creative industries, other local businesses, and the hospitality sector all set to benefit – both from the Festival itself and from the wider opportunities and partnerships that evolve from it.
With strong commitments around affordability, industry partnerships and long-term growth potential, Greater Manchester’s successful bid includes plans to hold the Festival in locations within the newly developed St John’s creative and cultural district in the city centre.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, and Deputy Mayor for Economy Business and Inclusive Growth, Greater Manchester, said:
“Being chosen to host the TV Festival is brilliant news for Greater Manchester and speaks to the growth, success and strength of our screen sector in the city region and the strong partnerships and talent we have here.
“With the fastest growing economy in the UK, creative industries are a key priority growth area for us. As part of this we aim to make our region home to the strongest screen industry cluster outside London by 2028 – an ambition backed by our just-launched £10.5 million Screen Production Fund to support film and TV made in Greater Manchester, using local facilities and expertise.
“As new home now also to the prestigious TV Festival, we’ll be working closely with partners to ensure we deliver not just an exceptional annual Festival – with our own uniquely Manchester twist – but an event that supports new collaborations and partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally, that have the growth, sustainability, and diversity of the screen industry at their heart.”
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said:
“Greater Manchester’s selection as the next host of The TV Festival is a major moment for the region’s thriving media, screen and tech sector. The festival will provide an opportunity to showcase the incredible production facilities in the region, which produce some of the world’s most recognisable television.
“Bringing The TV Festival to Greater Manchester for the first time in nearly 50 years is the result of a competitive bid process led by our team, and this fantastic outcome will create new opportunities for creative professionals, businesses, and emerging talent. It also reinforces the region’s role as a leading global hub for content creation and innovation.”
