Perth to host new democracy festival
Perth has been chosen to host the inaugural Scottish People’s Meeting, a new democracy festival which will be held on 28 and 29 May 2027.
Taking place in the centre of Perth, the free two-day festival will bring together members of the public, politicians, businesses, public bodies, voluntary organisations and community groups to discuss the issues shaping Scotland’s future. Combining discussion and debate with arts, culture and entertainment, it will create an informal setting where people can share experiences, explore ideas and speak directly with decisionmakers.
For Perth, hosting the event offers an opportunity to welcome visitors from across Scotland, strengthen international connections and introduce new audiences to the city and wider area.
Councillor Ian Massie, deputy leader of Perth and Kinross Council, has played a key role in securing the Festival for the region. He commented, “We are delighted to be hosting this important inaugural event for Scotland, and I am certain we will see fresh ideas and new perspectives emerging from this progressive, forward-thinking approach to policymaking.”
A festival shaped by people
The Scottish People’s Meeting takes its inspiration from democracy festivals in the Nordic countries, particularly Denmark’s Folkemødet, held annually on the island of Bornholm.
These gatherings bring politics into communities, creating opportunities for face-to-face conversations between the public and those making decisions that affect their lives. Businesses, charities, campaigners and community organisations contribute alongside politicians, with music and cultural activities helping to create a welcoming festival atmosphere.
The Scottish event will take a similar approach. Participating organisations will develop their own subjects and speakers, allowing the programme to reflect the interests, experiences and concerns of those taking part.
Encouraging young people and groups who do not normally engage in politics is a particular priority. The ambition is to make participation accessible and enjoyable, with room for different perspectives and constructive disagreement.
Kirsty Easton and Deputy Council Leader Councillor Ian Massie visited Folkemødet in June to experience the model first-hand and explore how it could work in Perth.
Councillor Massie continued, “The Danish Folkemødet shows what can happen when democracy is taken out of the debating chamber and into the heart of a community. Seeing so many people engaging with politics, discussing ideas and learning from one another was both exciting and inspiring.”
From rural concerns to global challenges
The programme is currently being developed, with early discussions identifying subjects ranging from public services, social care and rural concerns to culture, Gaelic, poverty, artificial intelligence and climate change.
Scottish Rural Action has joined as a supporting organisation, bringing connections with communities, organisations and decisionmakers across rural and island Scotland. Its work includes organising the Scottish Rural & Islands Parliament, where participants share experiences, celebrate community action and help shape policy. For Perth and Kinross, this involvement brings a valuable rural perspective.
Welcoming new audiences to Perth
With established Danish connections and early interest from Scottish broadcasters and newspapers, the People’s Meeting provides a platform to raise Perth’s profile nationally and build its visibility internationally.
Already, event organisers have highlighted Perth’s central location as a key component of the decision-making process.
Martijn Quinn, co-founder of the People’s Meeting project, commented, “We are delighted to have Perth as the home for the launch of the Scottish People’s meeting: it is a beautiful city right in the heart of Scotland with excellent facilities.”
The opportunity, therefore, presents the potential for significant economic impact both during and after the event, with people travelling to attend, speak or deliver activities all needing places to stay, eat and spend time.
Reflecting the ambition of the Perth and Kinross Business Community
Securing the Democracy Festival reflects the ambition expressed at September’s Perth and Kinross Economic Summit, where delegates called for greater confidence in promoting the area, showcasing its successes and communicating what it has to offer. Find out more. >
Feedback also highlighted the importance of stronger networks, collaboration across sectors and a collective voice in shaping future prosperity.
The Scottish People’s Meeting brings those themes together: an opportunity to connect people and organisations, contribute to national conversations and demonstrate Perth’s ability to host an event with ambitions reaching beyond the city.
The first festival will run for two days, with an intention to expand to three days in future years. Establishing it as a lasting fixture in Scotland’s civic calendar would create a recurring reason to visit Perth and a continuing opportunity for local businesses to benefit.
Find out more: www.peoplesmeeting.org.uk.
