The DS guide to surviving Edinburgh

So the big weekend is soon to be upon us. The annual exodus by the great and good of TV land to Scotland's capital is to begin later this week and by next weekend Edinburgh will be awash with PRs, production companies, controllers, commissioners, TV talent, media journalists and the like for three-days of breathing, eating, drinking, talking, enjoying and immersing themselves in all things television. So here are our top tips for making the best out of MGEITF.

Getting there
Train, plane or automobile. Or coach. The dilemma is whether to add to your carbon footprint by flying to Edinburgh, or take the slower route and go by train. But Maya Bhose, marketing director of Sparrowhawk Media has some advice for those going by air. "My first bit of advice would be: If flying to the Festival this year, stay safe – and FEDEX your luggage to and from Edinburgh," says Maya Bhose, marketing director of Sparrowhawk Media. "They can guarantee next day delivery – which is more than can be said for BAA at the moment."

What to pack
So with a few 'dos' over the weekend, you'll need some decent glad rags you can look great and feel confident in when you're bopping away next to Cat Deeley or Lauren Laverne. Plus if you've any intentions of keeping up your fitness regime while in Edinburgh - forget it. Sparrowhawk's Maya Bhose agrees: "During my first visit to the Festival I had the best of healthy intentions and (despite much hilarity from the Edinburgh veterans amongst my colleagues) and took my whole running kit on the trip. Needless to say I disappointed my personal trainer – the kit stayed firmly in my suitcase the entire time. I won’t make the same mistake again – I will put all my energy in to having a great time."

Time keeping
Take a loud alarm clock. As one DS colleague discovered at last year's fest, staying out until after 6am and missing the likes of Al Gore will make you feel very sorry for yourself.

Managing your objectives
Though he is an institution, don't expect Jim to fix it for you to have your 42-part drama series on Lebanese tap-dancers commissioned by the BBC. He's a TV presenter, not a miracle worker. And don't be having a go at him for not fixing it for you be carried off by Simon Le Bon on a white charger when you were 10, either. (Issues? Me? Never).

It's not all work, work, work...
It's important to have a laugh while at the festival, and not get too ill (see 'Bar Etiquette') so as laughter is the best medicine, don't forget to head down to the Comedy Night at The George on the Friday night, which is sponsored by Paramount Comedy. "Great line-up and laughs guaranteed!" says Zoe Diver, Paramount's marketing and communications manager, who also advises against going to Edinburgh hang out Penny Black in West Register Street. Can't imagine why. A pub that opens around 6am is surely to be a THE PLACE for pitching new ideas to TV executives!

Bar etiquette
Many Edinburgh veterans advise against liquid refreshment too early in the evening/day/morning, but one PR told us to choose your poison wisely. "Avoid asking the barman to whip up cocktails of his choice at the Channel 4 party in Soho House. It was a VERY rough ride home," he said.

Health and safety
Don't try and engage one of the locals in a round of "Go Johnny Go, Go, Go, Go" (or some such game) after a enjoying yourself too much at the Five launch on Friday at Lulu. They'll only win, and josh you for being a Sassenach or a 'Southern Jessie' (if you're not from Scotland, that is). And if all that enjoying yourself has got you feeling ill, you can enjoy a smoothie or a herbal tea in the Discovery Networks Recovery Lounge.

Making it home
Don't forget to set your alarm. Oh and don't get too carried away with the High School Musical singalong on the complimentary shuttle bus, and miss your train/flight home.

And for those of you with lives and better things to do over the Bank Holiday Weekend, you can keep up to speed with the comings and goings at the festival right here, as the DS team will be again be coming live from MGEITF with all the latest!