Brexit travel curbs ‘would harm international status of festivals’

Festival at the west end of George Street relax in between events. It’s an opportunity for the city to come outside and relax. We’ve not simply packed it with theatres.

“This is an experiment and we’re looking forward to seeing what the results are. If it works then we’d like to be here again.”

William Burdett-coutts, the artistic director of Assembly Theatre, which runs the Assembly Rooms, said: “I’d like to see the New Town become much more lively again during the festivals.

“In my view, the whole of George Street, apart from the crossroads, should be closed to traffic. I’ve been saying it for years.

“All over the world areas are being pedestrianised and everyone wants to see more of an outdoor culture being developed. If you had Charlotte Square and St Andrew Square used for the festivals, as well as George Street closed, it would be really exciting.” unless they are international. We cannot be an international event if we cannot get international authors to come here.

“It’s an issue which could affect all of the Edinburgh festivals. Reputationally, we are under threat if we cannot bring a diverse group of authors here from across the world.

“We are working behind the scenes on general principles, with both the UK and Scottish governments.

“We are talking to them at the highest levels on this matter – we won’t let it go as it’s about the future credibility and viability of all of the festivals. After Brexit, we really need to have a special case for artists, writers and other creative people to have the right to travel, whatever new restrictions are introduced. There is no reason why they can’t be made a special case. It’s so important in this international age that we are able to share ideas.”

Abdollahi had secured funding to cover the costs of his visit but was told he had not shown he would be able to support himself during his visit or had shown “sufficient incentive” to return to Iran after the festival.

Mr Barley added: “There was nothing that I could see that would have prevented Ehsan Abdollahi coming to Edinburgh. I felt there was an obligation on me to fight for it. I felt if we could win that case it would give other festivals and organisations a test case that they could look to.

“I’m very concerned about what seems to be happening. I just hope the Government will be honest with us about what they are doing.

“If there is a travel ban that is being operated then we should know about it.”