The List Festival Awards will return to Edinburgh on Friday 28 August 2026, bringing together leading artists and creatives for an afternoon celebrating the city’s renowned festival season.
Taking place at W Edinburgh, the awards will recognise exceptional work across a wide range of disciplines including theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, visual art, literature and film.
Following the success of its first two editions, the ceremony continues The List’s commitment to championing Scottish and international creativity during August, with winners in each category receiving a cash prize.
Awards span multiple festival strands, including honours for rising Scottish artists and authors, best Scottish film, best international show, and a wide range of Edinburgh Festival Fringe categories such as Best Comedy Show, Best Kids Show and the Spirit Of The Fringe Award.
New additions for 2026 include a Best Cabaret Show award and a new prize presented in partnership with The Stand.
The event will once again bring together artists, industry professionals and festival organisations, with guests welcomed by hosts W Edinburgh for an afternoon celebration.
A continued partnership with Edinburgh College will also spotlight emerging talent, as HND Visual Communication students design each award laurel.
Brian Donaldson, editor of The List comments, “We’re delighted to once again be playing a key role in the world’s biggest and best arts festival, and our awards reflect the extraordinary resilience and talent of artists who continue to create wonderful work in these often dark and challenging times. With a new venue hosting the event and more prizes added to an already impressive set of categories, this feels like another step forward for Team List and our awards.”
Jakki Jeffery, assistant principal at Edinburgh College, comments “Our partnership with The List has included its role as our media partner for the GIE’IT! Creative Arts Festival, organised “by students, for students”. Additionally, our HND Year 2 Visual Communication students were given the opportunity to produce the 14 award categories for The List Festival Awards 2026. This annual event celebrates festivalmakers and cultural leaders, recognising their outstanding achievements. The award brief was expertly managed by Iain Lauder, lecturer in Art & Design, who ensured that students used their creativity while meeting the client’s requirements. We value the opportunity to work in partnership with The List and to provide our students with a platform to showcase their talents.”
The List Festival Awards 2026 will take place from 2pm to 5pm on Friday 28 August at W Edinburgh.
More information can be found here.
