A new resource aiming to help promote equality, diversity and inclusion within festivals and events has been launched by academics at University of the West of Scotland (UWS). 

A Playbook for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - developed by the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events at UWS - in partnership with Glasgow Life, funded by Spirit of 2012, and with contributions from Visit Scotland - aims to support those responsible for planning, organising and delivering festivals and events to embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) from the outset.

The Playbook was launched as part of an online event on 18 November 2024. Attendees at the event heard from festival and event organisers who had adopted the recommendations in the Playbook, which contains case study contributions from Refugee Scotland Festival, Piping Live! and Glasgow Mela, among others.

“EDI compliance can feel very tokenistic and transactional, focused on ‘ticking boxes’ when what people really need is to be careful, considerate and reflective about why EDI is important to their festival or event and its various stakeholders. Our Playbook offers resources, tips and case studies that organisers can learn from.”
Professor Gayle McPherson, Chair in Events and Cultural Policy and Director of the Research Centre for Culture, Sport & Events at UWS
“We drew on research evidence and practice insights to develop a resource that can be used by the festival and events sector. We also wanted to include contributions from people with lived experience and expertise, audiences, festival and event organisers, policy makers and funders.”
David McGillivray, Professor of Event and Digital Cultures at UWS

Professor Gayle McPherson added: “Public agencies look for events to demonstrate opportunities to support EDI outcomes, so it is important for events and festival organisers to engage with this agenda. Likewise, public funders play an increasingly important role in encouraging organisations delivering festivals and events to be proactive in ensuring their events represent their constituencies effectively.”

The Playbook focuses on four key dimensions for festival and event organisers when considering EDI: representation, design and programming, governance and resourcing and evaluating success. The Playbook highlights comprehensively how festival and event organisers can factor all four into their planning. 

“Spirit of 2012 is committed to building on the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and Birmingham and Glasgow Commonwealth Games, in ensuring that events are inclusive and designed with equality, diversity and inclusion from start to finish to enable more equitable participation and address the barriers to entry. “The Centre for Culture, Sport and Events at UWS has distilled their research and brought together best practice from UCI Cycling World Champions, Glasgow Mela and LEAP Sport into a new toolkit to aid event organisers – both large-scale and community events - ensure that EDI and access is at the centre of their planning.”
Ruth Hollis, Chief Executive at Spirit of 2012

Marina Di Duca, VisitScotland Inclusive Tourism Manager, said: “Events play an important role in our communities, giving us all the chance to connect, share and enjoy memorable moments.  

“The launch of the Playbook for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) will give event organisers helpful advice and guidance on how to integrate EDI into their planning to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone taking part in an event. By incorporating EDI it can help create a sense of belonging and community pride as well as enhancing Scotland's reputation as a tourism and events destination that values and celebrates diversity.  

“By ensuring accessibility, representation, and inclusivity, event organisers can reach wider audiences, deepen engagement, and leave lasting, positive impacts on both attendees and the local community.”
Marina Di Duca, VisitScotland Inclusive Tourism Manager
“It’s been fantastic to be involved in the FestivalsConnect project. The Playbook is a comprehensive, engaging resource which breaks down often misunderstood EDI themes into accessible and practical guidance. I would encourage those working in the sector to use the Playbook to embed inclusive, positive practices to make their events a success for everyone.”
Amy McGirr, Senior Policy Officer (Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion) at Glasgow Life

The resource directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goal 10, reduced inequalities.