Edinburgh International Festival will be phone-free - Benedetti
The violinist, who has been festival director since 2023 says the policy has come at the request of artists and audiences.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Live performance is unlike anything else and the Edinburgh International Festival is here to protect the rarity of this experience."
— Nicola Benedetti , Celebrity
"The power of our programme is intensified by the tangible, collective presence of everyone in the room, and we want you to be with us fully."
— Nicola Benedetti , Celebrity
"Views on this have been widely and boldly expressed in recent months and we are acting in communion with our beloved audiences, and extraordinary artists."
— Nicola Benedetti , Celebrity
"The audience's contribution is concentration and silence – it's an electricity the musician can charge from."
— Nicola Benedetti , Celebrity
Key People
Alfred Brendel was a renowned pianist and composer.
Bob Dylan is an iconic singer-songwriter recognized for his influential music career.
Ghost is a Swedish rock band known for their theatrical stage presence.
Jack White is a musician and frontman of the white stripes, known for his contributions to rock music.
Jessie Buckley is an Irish actress and singer.
Lesley Manville is a British actress recognized for her work in theatre, film, and television.
Nicola Benedetti is a Grammy-winning violinist and the director of the Edinburgh International Festival.
Phoebe Bridgers is a Californian singer known for her music and performances.
Rosamund Pike is an actress recognized for her roles in films and theater.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
The violinist, who has been festival director since 2023 says the policy has come at the request of artists and audiences.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Edinburgh launches new media event after final TV Festival
Edinburgh TV Festival moves to Manchester next year, so what will a new event look like?
August 28, 2026 at 05:10 AMCharli XCX electrifies Reading Festival with era-spanning set
The British singer and Irish rock band Fontaines DC both headlined the first night of Reading for 2026.
August 28, 2026 at 11:34 PMReading and Leeds Festival unveils major overhaul, but will it draw in a new crowd?
BBC Newsbeat has spoken with festival-goers to see whether they feel the changes will attract a wider demographic.
August 28, 2026 at 06:33 AMEthiopia's Virgin Mary festival in Tigray cancelled over drone strike fears
An eagerly anticipated gathering of women will not be taking place following recent aerial strikes.
August 21, 2026 at 04:20 PMDutch broadcaster AvroTros to boycott 2027 Eurovision Song Contest - Reuters
Dutch broadcaster AvroTros to boycott 2027 Eurovision Song Contest Reuters
August 24, 2026 at 08:48 AMRussian stadium says it won't host Kanye West gigs
Two planned concerts are thrown into doubt, but Russian promoters insist they will go ahead.
August 25, 2026 at 08:43 AM