Stuart WoodThe Edinburgh Fringe 2020, due to take place 7-31 August, will not go ahead due to health concerns around Covid-19.
The Edinburgh International Festival, The Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Art Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival have also been cancelled. All were scheduled for August.
In a statement on the events website, Edinburgh Fringe Festival Chief Executive Shona McCarthy stated: “We have spent the past month listening to a broad cross-section of Fringe participants, as well as to government, healthcare professionals, residents and many more; however, in light of present circumstances it was unavoidable. Public health must and always will come first.
“Our hearts go out to the doctors, nurses, health and social care professionals on the front line, to everyone working to keep the country going, and to those who have been directly affected by this pandemic. Your courage in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all.
“Financially this has not been straightforward – as the small charity that underpins the Fringe we receive very little public subsidy.”
“My thoughts too are with the many thousands of artists, writers, producers, reviewers, venues and backstage crew whose careers have been put on hold over the past month or so. We know today’s decision will be a difficult one for many, but please know that we will continue to be here for you and will do everything we can to support you in the weeks and months ahead.
“Financially this has not been straightforward – as the small charity that underpins the Fringe we receive very little public subsidy – but we believe that offering refunds is the right thing to do and will turn this around as quickly as possible. There will also be an option to donate all or part of your purchase to support artists and the work of the Fringe Society, but this will of course be entirely optional.”