Festival Fridays

We’re thrilled to be continuing our exciting partnership with Edinburgh International Festival, bringing world class artists to perform for patients and staff across NHS Lothian.

Music is a powerful tool: it evokes memories, it helps alleviate stress and anxiety, and it provides comfort at difficult times. For patients and staff in hospitals, however, accessing live musical performances and attending cultural events such as the Edinburgh International Festival is not always possible. So, Festival Fridays brings the healing power of music to them!

To maximise accessibility and impact, our performances will be held in spaces that are the most convenient for patients and staff, including community gardens, courtyards, clinical wards, and communal areas. Each performance will be approximately 30 minutes, giving staff the opportunity to participate during breaks.

Our first performance took place on 24 May, 2024 at St John’s Hospital, where we welcomed Philharmonia, a world-class symphony orchestra that creates thrilling performances for a global audience.

Dates and locations for performances

Please note that dates and performers may be subject to change.

24th May – Philharmonia – St John’s Hospital
21st June – Scottish Chamber Orchestra – Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Royal Hospital for Children and Young People
26th July – Western General Hospital – The Halle
9th August – Royal Edinburgh Hospital – Bamberger Symphoniker
16th August – Western General Hospital – VRi
23rd August – Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Royal Hospital for Children and Young People – Rising Stars of Brass
13th September – St John’s Hospital – Twelfth Day
11th October – Royal Edinburgh Hospital

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

Patient, Blackford Ward, Royal Edinburgh Hospital

With thanks to Edinburgh International Festival.