Memberships FAQs

If you have a question about your membership that is not answered here, please contact us by calling 0131 718 5653 or emailing development@edbookfest.co.uk, Monday to Friday, 10:00-17:00.

 

How often will you contact me? 
 
We keep in touch throughout the year with monthly emails to Friends and Champions featuring news, membership benefits information, as well as some additional Festival related information between June and August. We also post a printed copy of our Limited Edition newsletter to all members once or twice a year, as well as a copy of the programme brochure. 
 
 
When is the Advance Booking period? 
 
The start of Advance Booking is staggered according to your type of Membership.

The 2025 Advance Booking period has passed.
 
We anticipate our main 2026 Advance Booking period to happen in early June. We may also run Advance Booking again for a small number of events at McEwan Hall in April.
 
You will be sent full Advance Booking details per email in the run-up to Advance Booking as well as per post with your programme brochure in June (including the Advance Booking phone number).
 
 
How many tickets can I book in advance of the public sale? 
 
For 2025 we lifted the cap on the number of events you can buy tickets for during Advance Booking. However, there is a cap on the number of tickets you can book per event (Friends and Friends Plus+ 2 per event, Champions 4 per event. Friends and Champions can however book up to 5 tickets per children's events. Benefactors have no booking limits.
 
Tickets for watching events online can be booked at any time, as there is no limit on the number of tickets available.
 
It is our policy to ensure that some tickets will always be available for members of the general public when the Box Office opens on the first day of public booking. The number of tickets available to members during Advance Booking is therefore limited and all tickets are subject to availability. Although members have a considerably greater chance of getting tickets for events in high demand, membership does not guarantee tickets will be available for all events.
 
 
When is my membership renewal due? 
 
Memberships last for one year from the date of purchase. You will be sent a reminder to renew your annual membership over a month before it is due to expire.
 
To save you going through the renewal process every year, you can set up a direct debit to pay for your membership. This can be done when you’re renewing online, or if you’re signing up online as a new member.
 
Renewing your membership and setting up a direct debit can also easily be done over the phone, please contact 0131 718 5653. Friends Plus+, Champions and Benefactors can choose to pay either monthly or annually.
 
 
How do I renew my membership online? 
 
Memberships can be renewed online at any time up to three months before your current membership expires.
 
You need to have a web account for our online booking system that is linked to your membership account.
 
For this you will need an email address that you have regular access to. If you have never registered for an online account with us, contact 0131 718 5653 or email development@edbookfest.co.uk and someone can guide you through the process and ensure your account is linked correctly.
 
If you already have a Book Festival web account, you can see if it is linked to your membership by logging in and viewing your ‘My Account’ page which should display your membership details. If you can’t see your membership details in your account please contact 0131 718 5653 or email development@edbookfest.co.uk for assistance.
 
When you are signed into your account, a membership renewal or purchase button will appear on our membership page, which allows you to add a membership to your shopping basket. Then simply follow the checkout process.
 
Once you have created a web account, you can also use this to book tickets online once booking opens, you can make online donations, and it allows you to update your personal details throughout the year without needing to contact us.
 
 
How do I upgrade to the next membership level?
 
If you want to change your membership level (e.g. upgrade from Friend to Friend Plus+ or Champion), you cannot do so online at the moment. Please give us a call.
 
 
How can I contact you? 
 
You can contact us from Monday to Friday, 10:00-17:00 by calling 0131 718 5653 or emailing development@edbookfest.co.uk