NHS Lothian Charity and Edinburgh International Festival Partner Up for Uplifting ‘Festival Fridays’

NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts and Edinburgh International Festival are delighted to announce the continuation of their exciting partnership, bringing the magic of live music directly to patients and staff across NHS Lothian hospitals.

This innovative initiative, dubbed ‘Festival Fridays’, brings Festival artists into hospitals across NHS Lothian, creating bespoke moments of musical and creative connections, and recognising the powerful impact music can have on wellbeing. From evoking cherished memories to alleviating stress and anxiety, music offers a unique source of comfort, especially for those in hospital.

‘Festival Fridays’ removes barriers for patients and staff who might not be able to attend traditional Edinburgh International Festival events. Performances will be held in convenient and accessible locations like community gardens, courtyards, and communal areas as well as more intimate performances for patients and staff on wards. Concerts will be 30-minutes long to also allow staff to participate during breaks, ensuring everyone can enjoy the uplifting experience.

The programme kicks off on 24 May, 2024 at St John’s Hospital, featuring a captivating performance by musicians from world-renowned Philharmonia. Their thrilling music is sure to resonate with all audiences.

Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti, said:

NHS Festival Fridays are a perfect example of the Festival bringing together communities and ideas in spaces and places outside of a theatre in August. Art has the power to transform, and I encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to come together and be thrilled, challenged, and discover something new.”

Len McCaffer, NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts Manager, said:

Music has a profound ability to lift the human spirit, creating a sense of comfort, connection, and joy. Bringing live music into the hospitals helps to create a more positive and comforting environment for patients – and staff as well. We’re incredibly grateful to Edinburgh International Festival and the amazing musicians who are donating their time and talent to spread light and music throughout our hospitals.”

The positive impact is undeniable. A patient who attended one of last year’s concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra shared:

The performance was top notch, I was moved to tears by the first song.”

‘Festival Fridays’ promises a season of uplifting music, fostering a more positive and healing environment for patients and staff alike. Keep up to date with what’s coming up by visiting: Tonic Arts | What’s On | Festival Fridays