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Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025: A Global Literary Celebration of “Repair”
Jun
The Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025 returns from August 9 to 24, bringing together over 600 world-renowned authors, thinkers, and readers for one of the most important literary events in the world. This year’s festival theme, “Repair,” invites urgent and hopeful conversations on how society, identity, and our shared narratives can be healed and reimagined.
Set in the newly renovated Edinburgh Futures Institute and supported by venues across the city, this year’s edition blends literary insight, cultural celebration, and accessible innovation in ways that solidify its global reputation.
What Does “Repair” Mean?
According to Festival Director Jenny Niven, “Repair” is a call to action—a thematic lens through which readers, writers, and citizens can examine social, emotional, and environmental renewal. It encourages a literary exploration of how storytelling helps mend fractured systems, identities, and communities.
Where It’s Happening
- Main Hub: Edinburgh Futures Institute (University of Edinburgh)
- Satellite Venues: McEwan Hall, Elliott’s Studio, National Library of Scotland, and the iconic Spiegeltent
- Special Sites: Events extend to hospitals, libraries, and prisons across Scotland as part of the outreach program
More than 100 events will be live-streamed, and over 500 will feature real-time or AI-generated captions, making this one of the most accessible book festivals to date.
Who’s Appearing? Author Highlights
The 2025 line-up is a literary powerhouse of global and local voices. Highlights include:
- R.F. Kuang (Yellowface, Babel)
- Ian McEwan (Atonement)
- ️ Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- ️ Nicola Sturgeon (debuting her memoir Frankly)
- Brian Cox (actor and author)
- Yulia Navalnaya, Ally McCoist, Ruth Jones, Maggie O’Farrell
- Hanif Kureishi, Najwan Darwish, and indigenous leader Juma Xipaia
Over 100 children’s and young adult events will feature talents like Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson, Alice Oseman (Heartstopper), and even a Pikachu meet-and-greet for younger readers.
Community, Inclusivity & Global Ink
This year’s festival emphasizes outreach and inclusivity like never before:
- Global Ink brings together international publishing leaders
- Outreach programs in 12 regions extend literary access to underserved communities
- Inclusive pricing offers £5 tickets for low-income readers, and discounts for students and under-30s.
- AI captioning and digital access enable broader participation across Scotland and beyond
️ Tickets & How to Attend
- Tickets launched June 21, 2025, via the official website
- Most events range from £5 to £15, with discounted and free options available
- Digital passes are also available for livestreamed and on-demand access
➡️ Visit the official Edinburgh International Book Festival website to view the full schedule and secure your spot.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
- One of the world’s largest and most inclusive book festivals
- A platform for critical global voices and urgent conversations
- The theme of “Repair” offers space for healing, learning, and activism
- An unmatched opportunity to connect with authors, publishers, and fellow readers in meaningful ways
Read more: Best Literary Non-Fiction Books of Summer 2025: FT’s Top Picks
Final Word
The Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025 is more than just a literary gathering—it’s a cultural movement dedicated to storytelling, change, and community. With hundreds of powerful voices and a commitment to accessibility and diversity, this year’s event proves why Edinburgh remains the world’s most book-loving city.
Mark your calendar for August 9–24, 2025, and be part of something truly transformative.
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