Just Festival - Just Festival

I am thrilled to share our 2023 programme which this year is focused around the theme of ‘Displacement’. Taking place mostly in St John’s Church, Princes Street, the programme focuses on stories and experiences from displaced people; the displacement of water in our oceans caused by the melting of polar ice caps; the displacement in our climate; and displaced objects, words and sounds.

When looking at the theme “Displacement”, I wanted to try and capture the unease that that word can cause, and to look at the concept of displacement from multiple angles. I hope that this festival, in some small way, can bring together a few of these angles and link with our shared humanity.

I’m delighted to welcome such a broad range of artists this year, especially artists from overseas in person for the first time since the pandemic. I’m also excited to be continuing to forge new partnerships with other organisations and venues and look forward to these blossoming during Just Festival 2023 and beyond.

The Just Festival creates a space for dialogue and platforms for engagement in local, national and international questions of social justice, equality and identity, both from the religious and non-religious perspectives. In line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it celebrates humanity in all its differences, promoting the exploration of new perspectives with the aim of reducing religious, political and social intolerance.

We believe that through respect for each other’s faith and belief, culture, philosophy and ideas, as well as each individual’s right to self-expression and freedom, we can be part of the wider movement to establish a more united world. With these values in mind, we strive to promote a safe, inclusive and creative environment for everyone who is willing to engage with us to work together to foster understanding and respect.

I very much hope you can join us for Just Festival 2023. And, if you’d like to volunteer – even for just a couple of sessions – we’d love to hear from you!

Miranda Heggie, Festival Manager