That the programme for this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival went live in June and tickets for my event with poet Christine De Luca and Dr. Kitty Wheater, Mindfulness Chaplain at The University of Edinburgh sold out within 24 hours is a measure of the level of interest that there is for what we have, together, been exploring through art, poetry and our attention. Attention is the most valuable faculty that we possess and is seriously under threat, seemingly from all quarters…
We are both delighted to be part of this internationally significant festival of ideas and excited to know that we have been selected because our work speaks to this year’s overarching theme of ‘Changing Your Mind’…
EIBF Director, Jenny Niven expands on this year’s theme:
“Our theme ‘Changing Your Mind’ speaks to the moment we’re in. At a time when opinions seem increasingly polarised and online debate is so divisive, we’re creating space for thoughtful, nuanced conversations – exploring the reasons for our increasing social and political divides, and how we might change each others’ minds, or at least agree to disagree, more agreeably. We’re also looking at the potential of the human brain to adapt and relearn, and at the unparalleled power of stories to change our thinking.
Changing your mind is a lifelong process of staying open to new ideas. By bringing amazing speakers and curious audiences together, around knowledge and perspectives that help us challenge our assumptions and see the world differently, we hope the Festival programme this year will help us gain a deeper understanding of both ourselves and each other.”
There’s lots to explore over on our events page and themes pages, but here are just a few headlines and highlights:
- Almost 600 writers from 41 countries will gather in Edinburgh from 15–30 August to present 600 events spanning fiction, politics, science, history, music, and live performance in a 16-day curated programme.
- At a time of intense polarisation and entrenched positions, our 2026 theme Changing Your Mind invites audiences to stay open and curious, championing deep listening and celebrating our capacity to evolve our thinking, informed by a range of reliable experts and diverse perspectives
- We’re bringing together a carefully curated programme of voices, experts, and ideas, to create space for informed, nuanced public conversation, and encourage new and alternative thinking – a much-needed alternative to debate driven by reaction and polarisation
Visit the EIBF Website:
https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/news/full-2026-programme-line-up-and-changing-your-mind-theme-announced