Landmark report evidences the profound impacts of Edinburgh Festivals

Landmark new report evidences the profound impacts of the Edinburgh Festivals, confirming them as one of the most remarkable demonstrations of cultural power in the world.

In the latest of a long line of internationally acclaimed impact studies, the Edinburgh Festivals are now publishing their most recent research across a series of cultural, social and economic indicators – which shows that at a fundamental level the festivals make life better - for residents, artists, visitors, and businesses.

The research identifies the Edinburgh Festivals as a unique civic asset that enhances wellbeing through creative and community engagement, an unrivalled international springboard for Scottish artists and companies, and a major attraction for those choosing to live, work, visit and invest in Edinburgh. The findings clearly indicate that the Festivals define Scotland’s cultural identity on the global stage.

Introducing the latest Impact Study, Professor Daisy Fancourt, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health and UNESCO Chair in Arts & Global Health as well as author of Art Cure: How the Arts Can Transform Your Health and Help You Live Longer said:

“The Edinburgh Festivals have long stood as one of the world’s most remarkable demonstrations of the power of arts and culture. Shared cultural experiences create opportunities for dialogue, build understanding and challenge ideas. They bring people together across generations, backgrounds and perspectives, helping to build trust and social cohesion. At a time when many communities are grappling with social fragmentation and unrest, cultural participation offers powerful opportunities to strengthen civic life and nurture a sense of common purpose. The Festivals show what is possible when culture is placed at the heart of civic life, and this report provides a powerful case for the importance of sustaining and investing in their future for generations to come.”

The research affirms that while the individual festivals are powerful brands in their respective fields, collectively they are both a unique national asset and a global phenomenon. They are an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of the country and provide an opportunity to showcase a 21st century nation.

The headline findings in this publication show the Edinburgh Festivals as:

• cultural adventurers, with 90% of audiences acclaiming the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery
• civic drivers, that enhance community well-being with 79% of local audiences stating that the festivals make Edinburgh a special place to live
• national investors, spending more than £10m annually with event production companies and creative talent based in Scotland
• economic powerhouses, calculated to have a gross economic impact of £4.26 billion over the next five years in Scotland.

Commenting on the publication of the Impact Study, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan MSP 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 £4.26 billion 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."

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said:

“Edinburgh’s festivals are at the heart of what makes our city so special, bringing together residents and visitors to enjoy thousands of shows and events throughout the year. This research highlights that these celebrations deliver significant cultural, social, and economic benefits, supporting local communities and businesses while enhancing the city’s global reputation. As we approach the 80^th anniversary of our festivals, we remain committed to supporting their future while balancing the needs of residents, visitors, and business, ensuring Edinburgh continues to thrive as a world-leading festival city.”

Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said:

“Edinburgh’s Festivals are world renowned, and a key part of what makes Scotland a must-visit destination, drawing thousands of international visitors to the country each year. Cultural events like these provide authentic and immersive experiences for people across Scotland and from around the world and are vital in strengthening our international profile and supporting local businesses, artists, and performers.”

Further findings in the Impact Study include:

The Edinburgh Festivals have seen a major expansion in their community reach

• Alongside its global scale, the report identifies a major expansion in the Festivals’ community footprint. They offer residents of the city and substantial audiences of all ages throughout Scotland, opportunities that support creative expression, social connection and wellbeing, while breaking down barriers, enhancing community cohesion and civic pride.
• These core principles were fundamental building blocks of the PlaCE [Partnerships for Creative Excellence] programme, a pioneering three-way partnership between Edinburgh Festivals, Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council. Almost 76,000 community participants took part across the life of the programme.
• Over the five years spanning 2018 to 2023, the Festivals delivered a 489% increase in engagement with community groups, a 39% increase in schools participation (from 497 to 694) and a 245% increase in partnership activity.
• This growth reflects a significant development of year-round activity and more equitable access, with programmes increasingly reaching communities less likely to have engaged with the Festivals in the past.

The Edinburgh Festivals are a civic asset as well as a global platform

• The report reinforces the Festivals’ role within the city itself. Edinburgh residents account for around one third of all attendances, with 79% of local audiences identifying the Festivals as central to the city’s identity and sense of place, making it a special place to live. And 89.9% of audiences say that the Festivals create a welcoming environment in the city.
• This dual role - as both a global cultural gathering and a locally rooted civic asset - is identified as a defining feature of the Edinburgh Festivals.

The Edinburgh Festivals are a key investor in Scotland’s creative economy

• Beyond audience impact, the Festivals continue to act as a major investor in Scotland’s cultural sector, supporting artists, production companies and creative organisations across the country.
• Annual spend with Scottish-based creative talent and production companies exceeds £10 million, helping to sustain jobs, develop skills and build international connections across the sector.

The Edinburgh Festivals provide a platform for Scotland on the world stage

• With participants from over 80 countries and audiences from more than 100 countries, the Festivals play a central role in projecting Scotland internationally, showcasing a 21st century nation
• The report affirms the Edinburgh Festivals as a globally significant cultural marketplace, while remaining deeply embedded within Scotland’s communities and creative industries. Both a unique national asset, part of the cultural and social fabric of the country, and a global phenomenon making up part of the appeal that will drive Scotland forward.

The Edinburgh Festivals are economic powerhouses

• The Edinburgh Festivals delivered an estimated £558 million in net economic impact for Edinburgh and £852 million across Scotland in 2025.
• A central finding of the research is that this economic impact is driven by the quality and innovation within the Festivals’ cultural programmes which drive attendances, with 90% of audiences acclaiming the festivals as unique places of cultural discovery
• The report concludes that investment in programming is the primary factor that attracts global audiences and generates wider economic activity across tourism, hospitality and the creative industries. With the right investment the future impact is expected to reach £4.26 billion over the next five years.
• The findings underline the Festivals’ position as a major national asset, operating at a scale rarely seen in global cultural events. With over 4 million attendances drawn from more than 100 countries last year, Edinburgh hosts one of the largest ticketed event programmes in the world every year, on a scale equivalent with less frequent major events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.

The full 2026 Impact Study can be downloaded HERE and any comments/questions should be sent to info@edinburghfestivalcity.com