This August, we're inviting you to tune out the outside world. Calls, notifications, alarms – how often do we get the chance to leave all that behind? A live performance is the ideal opportunity to lose yourself in the moment.

So, this year, we're saying it plainly: Lights Down, Phones Off.  

We're acting on what audiences and artists have told us: phones are disruptive. In 2025, phones interrupted every single concert in our Queen’s Hall chamber series, to the frustration of everyone in the room. It’s not only disruptive for those present but creates further issues when concerts are being recorded for radio broadcast for the benefit of thousands more people listening at home.

It’s important that we set clear expectations for everyone. Before the performance begins, feel free to snap a photo, send that last message, or share the moment online. The same goes for the interval or curtain call. But during the performance itself, take the opportunity to be fully present.  

And if you aren’t sure how to turn your phone off or completely silence your ringtone, notifications and any scheduled alarms, one of our friendly staff will be happy to help you.  

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director: "Live performance is unlike anything else, and the Edinburgh International Festival is here to protect the rarity of this experience. 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.  When the lights go down and the performance starts, we would like phones to disappear from our hands, minds and ears. 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.

The late, great Alfred Brendel, whom we pay tribute to in our Queen’s Hall series this year, said it best: 'The audience's contribution is concentration and silence – it's an electricity the musician can charge from.' That electricity is real, I've felt it from the stage my whole life. We encourage our audiences to switch off their phones, and let the art do the rest.” 

We believe that live performance is most powerful when artists and audiences are in real communion with one another. On or off the stage, we all have a role to play. We're asking for your full attention so we can give you something unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my phone at Edinburgh International Festival performances? 

A: We ask audiences to switch their phones off for the performance itself. You're welcome to take photos or share on social media before the performance, during the interval, and at the curtain call – just not during the performance. If you're unsure how to fully silence or switch off your phone, a member of staff will be happy to help.

Q: What if I want to access online information about the event? 

A: We provide all the essential information that audiences may want to refer to during the performance either in our printed freesheets or on surtitle screens. Additional content such as videos, audio introductions and music, or online articles and orchestra listings can be viewed before or after performances or during intervals.

Q: Does the phones off policy apply to all Edinburgh International Festival performances? 

A: Across International Festival performances in all venues, we’ll be asking audiences to turn their phones off during the performance. The only exceptions will be special events such as free drop-in outdoor performances or our dementia-friendly concerts, where the environment is very different.

Q: Why does the Edinburgh International Festival have a phones-off policy? 

Artists and audiences have told us phones are disruptive to the live performance experience. We believe performance is most powerful when everyone in the room is fully present, and that means giving artists your complete attention. As Festival Director Nicola Benedetti puts it, “the audience's concentration is something artists can genuinely feel and respond to. And that focus is rewarded with deep connection and an unforgettable experience.”

Q: What if I need to keep my phone on for medical or accessibility reasons? 

A: If you need to keep your phone on for emergencies or medical reasons, then please ensure it is completely silenced and the screen light darkened, and exit the performance space before using it for calls or correspondence.

Q: Can I take photos at International Festival performances? 

A: Yes, before the show, at the interval, and at the curtain call, but not during performances.