The List Festival Awards are back for their second edition in August 2025, ready to celebrate the vibrant creativity of Edinburgh’s world-famous festivals. Following a triumphant debut in 2024, this year’s awards introduce four new categories to highlight the diverse talent lighting up the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and beyond. From theatre to film, comedy to literature, these awards shine a spotlight on the best of the festival season.
A Legacy of Cultural Excellence
This year marks the 40th anniversary of The List, Scotland’s leading guide to arts and entertainment. For four decades, this iconic publication has been a cornerstone of Edinburgh’s cultural scene, promoting the festivals that make August the most exciting month in the global arts calendar. The List Festival Awards honor the artists—both Scottish and international—who bring this extraordinary celebration to life.
New Categories for 2025
Building on last year’s success, the 2025 awards introduce four new categories to showcase the Fringe’s diverse offerings: Best Dance, Best Comedy, Best Kids Show, and a new award for LGBTQIA+ Fringe artists. These additions reflect the incredible range of talent on display during the festival season.
Celebrating Scottish and Global Talent
The awards include categories dedicated to Scottish artists, with 2024 winners like Flannery O’Kafka: For Willy Love and Booker T: Blue Babies Do Whatever They Want for Best Rising Scottish Artist, K Patrick for Best Rising Scottish Author, and Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands (directed by Carla J. Easton and Blair Young) for Best Scottish Film.
The Edinburgh Fringe categories are equally prestigious, featuring awards like the SoHo Playhouse’s International Fringe Encore Series: Edinburgh Prize, the Sit-Up Award for Best Production with a Social Impact, the Best Show from Adelaide, and the Best Show from the Edinburgh International Festival. Past winners, including FAMEHUNGRY, Weather Girl, Lewis Major: Triptych, Natalie Palamides: WEER, and Songs of the Bulbul, highlight the diversity and artistry that define Edinburgh in August. The 2024 Spirit of the Fringe Award went to Summerhall’s Chief Executive Sam Gough for the arts charity’s outstanding support of diverse talent.
A Word from the Editor
Brian Donaldson, editor of The List, shared his excitement: “Another Edinburgh Festival is approaching, bringing world-class artistry to our city. Recognizing outstanding talent through awards is a key way to celebrate their work. With five decades of festival coverage, The List has a deep understanding of this cultural phenomenon. Our second year of Festival Awards will honor even more brilliant shows and artists, and we’re thrilled to dive into another season of incredible culture.”
Join the Festival Celebration
The List Festival Awards 2025 are set to be a vibrant tribute to the talent that makes Edinburgh’s festivals a global phenomenon. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these awards are your guide to the must-see performances of the season. Stay tuned for updates on nominees and winners, and get ready to immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s cultural magic!
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