Benedetti Bans Phones at Edinburgh Fest

Nicola Benedetti, the director of the Edinburgh International Festival, has introduced a 'phone-free' policy for the event. This initiative, a request from both performers and attendees, aims to preserve the unique quality of live performances. Benedetti, a Grammy-winning violinist, began her tenure as festival director in 2023.

She stressed that the tangible, collective presence of the audience significantly enhances the festival's program. The policy encourages attendees to fully engage with the experience by putting away their phones when the lights dim and the performance commences. This ensures an uninterrupted and immersive artistic encounter.