The Edinburgh International Book Festival has ended its long-standing partnership with an investment firm following pressure from environmental groups over its fossil fuel links.
Baillie Gifford, which is based in Edinburgh, has sponsored the event for 20 years but said activist campaigners had put “intolerable pressure” on authors and the festival community.
The announcement follows a similar move last week by Hay Festival, which suspended its sponsorship from the £225bn investment firm, after boycotts from speakers over Baille Giford’s alleged links to the fossil fuel industry.
The festival has previously defended sponsor Baillie Gifford over greenwashing accusations.
Book festival chairman Allan Little said the event would not be able to put on a safe festival in August with the threat of disruption from activists.
Subscribe to Sustainability Beat for free
Sign up here to get the latest sustainability news sent straight to your inbox everyday
Little said: “Our team cannot be expected to deliver a safe and sustainable festival this August under the constant threat of disruption from activists. This was a pragmatic response to that reality.
“Funding for the arts is now in a perilous position and we should all be clear that without the support of our partners and donors, the future of festivals like ours – and all of the benefits these events bring to authors and readers alike – is in jeopardy.”
The protests began when more than 50 authors applied to the festival last year to call time on its deal with Baille Gifford ,after climate change activist Greta Thunberg cancelled an appearance at the event.
Baillie Gifford’s Nick Thomas said: “The activists’ anonymous campaign of coercion and misinformation has put intolerable pressure on authors and the festival community.
“We step back with the hope that the festival will thrive this year and into the future.
“We hold the activists squarely responsible for the inhibiting effect their action will have on funding for the arts in this country.”
