Hot tickets

Dan Cruickshank

The latest book from the historian, well known for his knowledge of buildings in the Georgian era, looks at a murkier side of the period's booms of urbanization. How powerful was the lure of prostitution and how did it influence architecture and culture? Expect the TV presenter to delve into the history of Edinburgh's New Town and how it compares with other Georgian developments in Britain.

Ian Blair

The former Metropolitan police chief oversaw his fair share of controversy – particularly the investigation over the shooting of Jean Charlese de Menezes. With the police under increased scrutiny after the death of Ian Tomlinson at the G8 protests in 2009, how does Blair believe the Met can win back the public's trust? And just what happened between him and Boris Johnson that led to Blair's resignation in 2008?

Fatima Bhutto

A member of Pakistan's famously troubled political dynasty, Bhutto is appearing twice in the opening days of this year's festival. In the first event she talks about her family and the future of her home country. The following day she appears with celebrated writer Fay Weldon, with the two discussing the loss of a parent. Check out our website for an interview with Bhutto.

James Fergusson and Jim Frederick

Foreign policy in the Middle East has been at the fore of political discussion for the past decade. Edinburgh-based Fergusson talks about the prospects of peace with the Taliban while Time reporter Frederick discusses Iraq and the darkest days of the American operation there.