27 June 2008
ANNIE LENNOX TO HEADLINE FESTIVAL OF POLITICS 2008
Annie Lennox is to headline this year's Festival of
Politics, it was announced today by the Scottish Parliament. Ms Lennox will
take centre stage on Wednesday 20 August in Holyrood's debating chamber to talk
about her involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa, which she says is ‘essentially about
fundamental human rights...'
Now in its fourth year, the award winning Festival of
Politics runs from Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 August and features twenty eight
sessions many with famous faces from the world of politics, the arts and the
media including:
- Two
heavy weights from different sides of the political spectrum Denis Healey and Douglas Hurd talking about their political careers on Thursday 21
August.
- Actor
Simon Callow sharing his personal
experiences of Britain's changing attitudes to Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people.
- Peace
campaigners Arun Gandhi, grandson of
Mahatma Gandhi, and Mairéad
Corrigan-Maguire, Nobel Peace Prize winner, on how we might work to end
violence in the new millennium.
- Photojournalist
Platon on the political and social
resonance of photography.
- Political
activist and comedian Mark Thomas on
alternative ways to empower people.
Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP, said:
"The Festival of Politics has become a firm favourite
in the events calendar attracting thousands of visitors through the doors of
Holyrood in the last three years.
"The main theme of this year's Festival is ‘Global Issues
- National Perspectives' and I hope as many people as possible will come to the
Parliament to see, hear and take part in our events. With contributions from a
range of high profile and thought-provoking guests, visitors are sure to be
intrigued, amused and challenged."
International music star Annie Lennox will talk about
her SING project, which uses music to educate people about HIV/AIDS and raise
funds for the organisation, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). She will also talk
about her involvement with Nelson Mandela's 46664 Foundation which fights the
impact of HIV/AIDS.
Speaking ahead of visiting the Parliament, Ms Lennox
said:
"Being invited to open for the Scottish Festival of
Politics gives me another wonderful opportunity to highlight the subject of the
African HIV/AIDS pandemic. I believe the issue is essentially about fundamental
human rights, especially when it comes to the rights of women and children
living in conditions of chronic and endemic poverty."
Festival goers will also have the chance to see all
the award winning images from this year's World Press Photo Exhibition or take
part in Parliamentary Questions. Always a firm favourite at the Festival of
Politics participants can join in debate with some of the Parliament's leading
politicians when MSPs from across the parties consider topical questions.
And for the first time, the Parliament is working
with the Carnegie Festival and hosting joint sessions, including the Youth
Politics Festival where young people will have the chance to express their
views on the most important global issues for youth in Scotland.
The contact for members
of the media is:
Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6265 RNID TypeTalk calls
welcome
Email: [email protected]
Background
The full Festival
of Politics programme 2008 is available on the Scottish Parliament's website at
www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
Highlights
include:
Wednesday 20 August
Annie Lennox and the SING campaign
International
singer-songwriter Annie Lennox has become a leading activist in the fight
against HIV/AIDS. Join her as she talks
about her personal experience of the disease in Africa, and the actions that we can all take in
fighting the pandemic. Chaired by Alex
Fergusson, MSP, Presiding Officer.
Gladder to be Gay?
Actor Simon Callow shares his personal
experiences of Britain's changing attitudes towards LGBT people
and discusses what is still to be done to achieve full equality. Chaired by Trish Godman MSP, Deputy Presiding
Officer.
Thursday 21 August
A Life in Politics: Denis Healey
One time leftwing
firebrand and elder statesman of the Labour Party Denis Healey talks about a political career that spanned the
‘Winter of Discontent' to Labour's rise from the ashes with the election of
Tony Blair. Chaired by Alex Fergusson
MSP, Presiding Officer.
A Life in Politics: Douglas Hurd
Douglas Hurd was
one of the most enduring members of the Thatcher and Major governments. From
his time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to his role as Foreign Secretary don't
miss the opportunity to hear some fascinating insights into the Thatcher-Major
era. Chaired by Alasdair Morgan MSP,
Deputy Presiding Officer.
Friday 22 August
Iraq - War on Terror or Conflict Without End?
Five years on
from the US and UK led invasion of Iraq and the global terror threat posed by
Saddam Hussein's regime the war appears no closer to ending.
Hear what author,
journalist and Daily Mail columnist Peter Oborne thinks about the actions
of the West and his experiences filming for Channel 4's Dispatches series about
the current political and military situation in Iraq.
Saturday 23 August
Moving Portraits
Platon this years' winner of the Portrait section of the 2008 World Press Photo
competition will discuss the political and social resonance of his work and how
he captures award winning images.
Politics - a Funny Old Business? Mark Thomas in
Conversation
Political
activist and comedian Mark Thomas discusses the issues that are important to
him and how he uses comedy and other non-conventional methods to make serious
political points and empower people.
Programme availability and tickets:
Copies of the
programme and tickets are available:
- Online from: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
- By telephone: 0131 473 2000 (calls via RNID
Typetalk: 018001 0131 473 2000). Fax: 0131 473 2003. - By post: to the Festival of Politics, Hub
Tickets, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh , EH1 2NE . - In person at the Scottish Parliament or at the
Hub.
While most
events are free, a small number of events will charge £6.00 (£3.50 concession)
with those wishing to attend advised to book in advance.
Full details of
the festival programme are available from www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk
Festival Partners
This year's
Festival of Politics is delivered in formal partnership with:
Carnegie UK Trust and the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust
The Law Society
of Scotland
The Scotsman
For public information enquiries, contact:
0131 348 5000;
Textphone: 0131 558 7676, RNID Type talk calls welcome
Email: [email protected]
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk
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