Edmonton International Airport (YEG) hosts music festival

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) hosted its first Runway 12 Music Festival on 5 and 6 of July. The festival marked the beginning of 2024-5 YEG Stage Music Program season, which welcomes 20 new and returning musicians to the airport’s music scheme.

Visitors, passengers and airport team members were able to experience uplifting live music, with musicians performing on five stages throughout the airport, both before and after security. There was a total of forty performances during the two-day festival. 

“YEG’s permanent music program proudly celebrates our region’s music scene. As an Airport for Everyone, we support the local music industry by providing a unique venue for emerging artists to showcase their talent to passengers, visitors and airport workers. The Runway 12 Music Festival celebrates the longevity of this programme and is a wonderful way to welcome new and returning musicians and enhance our airport experience,” said Carmen Donnelly, Vice President, Passenger Experience & Terminal Operations, Edmonton International Airport (YEG).

“We are excited to be a part of this season’s YEG Stage/Runway 12 Festival lineup at Edmonton International Airport. When travelling through YEG with our own family, we have listened to many talented artists from our local music scene and the entertainment has always been a highlight of our journey. It’s an honour to represent our city at YEG Stage and we appreciate having the opportunity to share our music with travellers from near and far,” added The Whitlows, Acoustic Duo and YEG Stage Performers.

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) was the first airport in Canada to launch a permanent live music programme in 2004. The programme, known as YEG Stage, supports and celebrates the local music scene by giving performers the opportunity to play in a public space with a captivated audience.

Live music at the airport helps enhance the passenger experience while waiting for a flight. Music has many positive psychological benefits, including providing a welcoming distraction and a sense of calm for people who experience heightened stress. In an airport environment, music is especially beneficial in easing travel anxiety faced by some passengers.

Each season, musicians from around the region are invited to submit their applications to be part of YEG Stage. A community-led panel of judges chooses 20 performers to be part of the year-long programme to play live on stages in the airport regularly.

Performers receive $220 per two-hour timeslot and complimentary parking at YEG during their performance. The new season expands from five to seven days per week, with a total of 720 paid performances for the entire season.