Edinburgh's first poetry festival returns to the city in November
Edinburgh’s first ever poetry festival starts its fifth year with an intimate performance with award-winning poet Jackie Kay
Edinburgh’s International poetry festival released the first wave of tickets for its annual Push the Boat Out festival celebrating the diversity of poetry in Scotland.
Fans of all things poetry will have to wait until October 1 for this year’s full line up to be announced, however they can already get their hands on tickets for the city’s first and only poetry festival’s preview and “Festival Nights” events.
Award-winning poet Jackie Kay will kick off the festival in earnest on October 31 with an intimate evening on board the luxury ship The Fingal down at the Shore before the festival returns to the Pleasance from November 12-15.
The evening will celebrate the publication of Selected Poems that encapsulates the writer’s three decades in poetry as well as special readings of the renowned poet’s work.
Highlights from the rest of Push the Boat Out include Henry Normal, Joelle Taylor, Luke Wright alongside award-winning writer and musician Anthony Joseph and his band as part of its Festival Nights Events.
Those securing tickets for its opening night event on November 12 will enjoy poems from Luke Wright, Nick Makoha and EmmaClaire Brightlyn.
Launched in 2021, the festival is one of only two in the whole of Scotland and aims to platform all different types of poetry to help them grow and push boundaries.
“We’re delighted to share this first glimpse of what’s to come for Push the Boat Out 2026. The preview event and the Festival Night performances give an early taste of the extraordinary range of voices, ideas and live experiences that shape this year’s festival,” Festival Director Emma Collins said.
Head of literature and publishing at Creative Scotland, Alan Bett, said: “Push the Boat Out shows us everything that poetry can be, and how it interacts with language and identity while merging with other artforms.
“We encourage any lover of words to come experience Edinburgh in winter, lit up by some of the best poetry from Scotland and beyond.”
Tickets will range from free-of-charge to £55 and can be secured by visiting the festival’s website.