2026 edition of Edinburgh International Festival to be a ‘phone-free’ environment

An increasing amount of touring artists are demanding their concerts be phone-free. Now, Edingburgh's annual celebration of the performing arts is also asking audience members to put their phones away during the performances. If you’re thinking of taking a few pics or a cheeky video with your phone during a performance at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival (EIF), word of warning: don’t. The 2026 edition of the festival, which boasts a “hand-picked programme of the finest performers in dance, opera, music and theatre”, will be a “phone-free” environment, with organisers confirming that every show in its Queen’s Hall series will be free of any telephone disruption. The festival’s new ‘Lights Down, Phones Off’ policy urges audience members to “lose yourself in the moment”. “We’re acting on what audiences and artists have told us: phones are disruptive,” the announcement reads. “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.” EIF went on to state: “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.” Organisers added: “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, Grammy-winning violinist and EIF director, explained: “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.” Benedetti continued: “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’.” She concluded: “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.” Recently, US singer Phoebe Bridgers announced a complete ban on phones at her European and North American arena tour, joining the likes of Bob Dylan, Jack White, Tool and Placebo, who all insist on no-phone policies at their gigs. Not every musician is waging war on smartphones, though. In 2024, Blur frontman Damon Albarn criticised Bob Dylan’s phone ban, arguing that artists should focus on engaging audiences rather than restricting them. “People won’t want to be on their phone if you’re engaging with them correctly,” he told the BBC. He added: “If you start banning things, where does it end?”. This year’s edition of the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) takes place between 7-30 August.