Organisers of the Edinburgh TV Festival, which takes place during the Scottish capital’s big festival month in August, have announced they are accepting bids from other UK cities interested in hosting the annual event from 2027 onwards.

A spokesperson says that the company behind the event is reviewing its options as the festival approaches its 50th anniversary. Other locations are being considered, they add, as “part of a review into the next 50 years of the festival”, which includes efforts to make the event “more accessible to delegates”.

It’s no secret that accommodation costs in Edinburgh during August are now very high, with so many events happening all the same time, including the international, book and art festivals, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the massive Edinburgh Fringe.

The TV Festival’s spokesperson confirmed that “affordability” is a “key component” in evolving the event, because the TV industry it serves is “facing great challenges, including that of a financial nature”.

According to The Scotsman, Edinburgh Council was not aware that the TV Festival company – which is based in London year-round – would be inviting bids from other possible host cities prior to last week’s announcement.

Although the TV Festival is an industry-facing event which has a much lower profile among Edinburgh locals and audiences attending the other festivals, its presence within Edinburgh’s festival month is valuable, particularly for the Fringe.

With the Fringe having a showcasing element, with many Fringe performers and production companies looking to build profile and make industry connections, having so many TV industry people in town towards the end of the festival month is very useful.