Star line-up unveiled for Festivals debate

THE full line-up for a breakfast debate on the future of Edinburgh's festivals has been confirmed.

The Edinburgh Festivals Open Breakfast debate, taking place next Saturday at Fringe Central within Edinburgh University's Appleton Tower, will be hosted by BBC presenter Kirsty Wark.

It will feature the city's festivals champion Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh International Festival artistic director Jonathan Mills, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ron Hewitt, Creative Scotland boss Andrew Dixon and Festivals Edinburgh director Faith Liddell.

The focus of the event will be to debate the issues and opportunities facing the festivals, and identify joint strategies to address these now and into the future.

Councillor Steve Cardownie said: "This debate will bring together key organisations and individuals who play a critical role in sustaining Edinburgh's world-leading status. By taking such a positive and proactive approach, we will ensure we are best placed to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead and harness every opportunity to continue to grow and thrive."