This year, the Edinburgh TV Awards proudly recognises Sir Lenny Henry with the Outstanding Achievement Award, in recognition of his 50-year career, coinciding with the Festival’s 50th Anniversary. The ceremony will take place on Thursday 21 August as part of the Edinburgh TV Festival. Sir Lenny Henry said: “I’d like to thank the Edinburgh TV Festival and all who sail in her for this magnificent honour. I’m very humbled to receive it and will wear a kilt and go commando to celebrate. Excelsior. Big love.”placeholder image
This year, the Edinburgh TV Awards proudly recognises Sir Lenny Henry with the Outstanding Achievement Award, in recognition of his 50-year career, coinciding with the Festival’s 50th Anniversary. The ceremony will take place on Thursday 21 August as part of the Edinburgh TV Festival. Sir Lenny Henry said: “I’d like to thank the Edinburgh TV Festival and all who sail in her for this magnificent honour. I’m very humbled to receive it and will wear a kilt and go commando to celebrate. Excelsior. Big love.” | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

18 household names in Edinburgh next month for the Fringe and TV festival - including Bob Geldof & Tina Fey

Kevin Quinn
By Kevin Quinn

Reporter

Published 10th May 2025, 04:34 BST
Updated 21st Jul 2025, 11:13 BST

With just under two weeks to go until the world’s largest arts festival takes place, we’ve taken a look at the household names set to appear in Edinburgh next month.

As well as the Fringe from August 1-25, a host of celebrities will be in town for the Edinburgh TV Festival, taking place August 19-22. They include Sir Lenny Henry, Tina Fey, Charlie Brooker, Graham Norton and Michael Sheen.

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A host of top comedians will hit the Capital this year, including Paul Merton, Nish Kumar, Jason Byrne and Alan Davies. They will be joined by actors Miriam Margolyes and Michelle Collins, ventriloquist Nina Conti, as well as musicians Bob Geldof and Peter Doherty.

Also appearing in Edinburgh in a matter of days are politician turned comedian Mhairi Black, ‘The Chief’ himself from Scot Squad Jack Docherty, and Glasgow comedian Susie McCabe.

See our gallery below to see the household names already announced to appear at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh TV Festival.

Off the back of 2024’s hit No Show, Irish comedy legendJason Byrne returns with Jason Byrne: Head in The Clouds, premiering at this year’s festival. Featuring his classic hilarious style, full of audience interaction, come join Jason in the clouds for a night of beautiful, unpredictable mayhem. Jason Byrne: Head in the Clouds plays at Assembly Hall from July 31 until August 24, except the 11th and 18th, 7.50pm.

17. Jason Byrne

Off the back of 2024’s hit No Show, Irish comedy legendJason Byrne returns with Jason Byrne: Head in The Clouds, premiering at this year’s festival. Featuring his classic hilarious style, full of audience interaction, come join Jason in the clouds for a night of beautiful, unpredictable mayhem. Jason Byrne: Head in the Clouds plays at Assembly Hall from July 31 until August 24, except the 11th and 18th, 7.50pm. | Submitted Photo: Jason Bryne

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Graham Norton will be in town next month for the Edinburgh TV Festival, with the renowned chat show host in conversation with famous faces. The Irish comedy legend and broadcaster will hold 'in conversation' events on the last day of the annual festival held every August, on Friday, August 22. The voice of Eurovision performed his Mother Teresa drag act in the 1992 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

18. Graham Norton

Graham Norton will be in town next month for the Edinburgh TV Festival, with the renowned chat show host in conversation with famous faces. The Irish comedy legend and broadcaster will hold 'in conversation' events on the last day of the annual festival held every August, on Friday, August 22. The voice of Eurovision performed his Mother Teresa drag act in the 1992 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

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