The List Festival Awards Return
The List Festival Awards returns to celebrate the Edinburgh Festivals in 2026.
Following the success of the first two editions of The List Festival Awards, the ceremony will return to Edinburgh in August 2026 to celebrate the outstanding breadth of talent showcased across the city’s world-famous festivals. Taking place at W Edinburgh on Friday 28 August, the awards will once again honour exceptional artists, productions and cultural contributors from across the Edinburgh Festivals.
Designed to reflect the extraordinary diversity of work presented during August, The List Festival Awards recognise achievements spanning visual art, literature, film, theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret. The awards continue The List’s long-standing commitment to championing both Scottish and international creativity during the city’s busiest and most exciting cultural season, and each award winner will receive a cash prize.
This year’s awards categories include Edinburgh Art Festival’s Best Rising Scottish Artist, Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Best Rising Scottish Author, Edinburgh International Film Festival’s Best Scottish Film and Edinburgh International Festival’s Best International Show. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe categories comprise Best LGBTQIA+ Show; Best Dance, Circus & Physical Theatre Show; Best Comedy Show; Best Kids Show; Best Show From Adelaide; the International Fringe Encore Series Edinburgh Prize; and the Spirit Of The Fringe Award. The Stand will be joining The List this year to present a new award, and The List will also present a new award for Best Cabaret Show.
The List Festival Awards 2026 will once again bring together artists, industry professionals and festival organisations for an afternoon celebrating the creativity and ambition that defines Edinburgh in August. Hosts W Edinburgh will welcome guests with a celebratory drink and canapes.
This year’s awards will also spotlight emerging creative talent through a partnership with Edinburgh College. Students from the HND Visual Communication course will individually design each award laurel, giving young designers the opportunity to contribute directly to one of the festival season’s major industry celebrations.
Further Information: list.co.uk