Our President and the Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh have been in contact for several months about hosting a Europeade in Scotland. President Rüdiger Hess was in Edinburgh as part of the Pomegranates Festival of International Dance. He was able to present the Europeade at an event in the presence of Scottish Culture Minister Kaukab Stewart. "Minister Stewart was immediately enthusiastic about this festival, which could bring the cultures of Europe's regions to Scotland during the Europeade," said Rüdiger Heß. The German consul Holger Theissen, who was also present, was also delighted about the Europeade. He had never heard of it before, but was immediately very enthusiastic about it. After all, a festival that brings people together and which has been held in a different European city every year since 1964, shows foresight for the people of Europe. He thanked President Hess for his presence and was already looking forward to the Europeade in Scotland. He immediately said that he would definitely still be in Scotland until 2026.

Specifically, the organisation of the Europeade in the city of Perth was discussed. During a working visit to Perth, which has a population of around 46,000, Mr Hess was immediately impressed by the spirit of this city on the River Tay. "All the prerequisites for organising a Europeade are in place," says Rüdiger Heß. It was agreed that further steps would be taken together. In the meantime, Steve Byrne, Director of the Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, has made further contacts. Together with his colleagues Illiyana Nedkova and Wendy Timmons, further discussions will be held in conjunction with the City of Perth administration.

In the picture from left: Illiyana Nedkova, President Rüdiger Heß, Minister Kaukab Stewart, Director Steve Byrne and Wendy Timmons