Important role of festivals in Scotland to be recognised by UK Government
Scottish Secretary David Mundell will be joined by other UK Government cabinet ministers in a show of support for Scottish festivals
Secretary of State for Scotland gives Festivals speech
皇冠体育app Scottish Secretary David Mundell will be joined by other UK Government cabinet ministers in Edinburgh this week in a show of support for Scottish festivals and to celebrate the international profile and significant economic boost they bring.
Latest figures show that Edinburgh鈥檚 festivals as a whole contribute 拢313 million to the Scottish economy.
皇冠体育app Scottish Secretary hosted a reception to thank organisers for their efforts and will be attending performances across festivals this week.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:
Scotland鈥檚 festivals are of immense importance to the UK and internationally. Running not only in August but throughout the year they are a hotbed of home-grown and international talent spanning so many disciplines.
皇冠体育app Edinburgh festivals are a phenomenon which contribute so much to the economy as both significant employers and tourist attractions. 皇冠体育appir excellence makes them of worldwide significance and embodiments of what Scotland has to offer on a global stage and the UK Government looks forward to the festivals going from strength to strength for future generations to enjoy.
Earlier this month, the UK Government announced 拢100,000 in funding for this year鈥檚 Edinburgh Festival Fringe to help it deliver a step change in showcasing emerging artistic talent to the world. 皇冠体育app UK Government has a commitment to promote Britain on a global stage and Scotland鈥檚 festivals exemplify this.
Edinburgh is the home to 12 iconic festivals and the season goes well beyond August, encompassing the likes of Edinburgh鈥檚 Hogmanay and the Edinburgh International Science Festival.
Key organisers of Scotland鈥檚 festivals have been invited to the annual Office for the Secretary of State for Scotland Festivals Reception today. Hosted by the Scottish Secretary, the event celebrates the important role the festivals play in Scotland鈥檚 economy and their cultural contribution to the UK.
皇冠体育app reception will include a performance by Circus Abyssinia from Ethiopia. Featuring the Konjowoch Troupe, their show 鈥淓thiopian Dreams鈥� is a retelling of the cast鈥檚 own journey towards founding a circus in the country. Showcasing exciting stunts and circus skills, the performance tells the story of brothers Bibi and Bichu joining the circus.
Circus Abyssinia performance
Today (Tuesday August 21) Mr Mundell will see the 鈥淪owhereto Africa鈥� performance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe followed by visits to Edinburgh Art Festival and Edinburgh International Festival. Finally, Mr Mundell will visit Army @ 皇冠体育app Fringe to see 鈥溁使谔逵齛pp Troth Akademi鈥�, a story of how Indian men fought for the Allies in World War One.