Edinburgh International Book Festival, established 1983
w: http://www.edbookfest.co.uk
How it all began?
Edinburgh?s festivals had everything ? the world?s best music, opera, dance, film, theatre ? but not literature. So in 1983, an enlightened group of people founded the Book Festival, in a beautiful green garden where it takes place to this day. Then there were 30 events; now there are 650.
Pivotal moments
? August 1997: the Book Festival, which had been only every two years, went annual, leaping forward in size and reputation.
? August 2002: a record year in every way ? ticket and book sales up 40%, a magnificent 160,000 visitors to what is now the world?s biggest book festival.
The organisation today
From small part-time beginnings, we?re now a dynamic, growing and financially robust organisation, with 9 permanent staff and over 100 in the summer. We are constantly developing our activity, and enjoy the support of sponsors, partners, media and audiences in ever-increasing numbers.
A big thank you to?
? The chair of our board, Susan Rice, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland - a calm, committed and inspirational presence.
? The world?s leading authors and thinkers, who flock to our festival each year for only a modest token fee, giving so many people such delight.
Celebration events planned
? This year?s festival runs from August 9-25
? Big surprises are under wraps for our 21st birthday in the enchanted garden next year?