The Edinburgh Festivals bring in £852m to the Scottish economy each year, according to a major study highlighting their cultural and financial value.
The newly published impact report shows that of the total annual economic benefit, £558m of direct spending remains within the capital. Over the next five years, the cumulative boost to Scotland is projected to reach £4.26bn.
Alongside its economic scale, which draws more than four million attendances from over 100 countries annually, the report highlights an expansion in local community engagement.
Between 2018 and 2023, year-round work under the PlaCE (Partnerships for Creative Excellence) scheme saw a 489% increase in engagement with community groups and a 39% rise in school participation.
The research also found that local residents make up a third of all festival attendances, with 79% stating that the events make Edinburgh a special place to live. Additionally, the festivals spend over £10m annually with Scotland-based creative talent and event production firms.
Scottish Government Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan welcomed the findings, noting the cultural, social, and economic value of the events as they approach their 80th anniversary.
Ms McAllan said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are truly world class — and this research confirms their extraordinary cultural, social and economic value to Scotland.
“A projected national economic impact of £4.26bn over the coming five years, 90% of audiences describing them as unique places of cultural discovery, and 79% of Edinburgh residents saying they make the city a special place to live — these are remarkable findings.
“As we approach the 80th anniversary of Edinburgh’s status as a festival city, the Scottish Government is proud to champion the festivals and committed to ensuring they continue to thrive for the benefit of people across Scotland and on the global stage.”
Lori Anderson, Director of Festivals Edinburgh, called for continued backing to sustain this momentum during challenging times.
Ms Anderson said: “We are facing challenging times which call for boldness, direction, and vision – and the Edinburgh Festivals, through their pioneering collaborative work, focused strategic thinking, and hugely praised programmes, have these qualities in abundance.
“They have a powerful role to play in increasing the creative capacity, economic strength, and international reputation of Scotland. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the birth of our world leading festival city, now is the time to champion and invest in the Festivals’ success.”
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