THE Aberdeen International Comedy Festival has been cancelled.
It comes after organisers said Covid-19 restrictions on the return of indoor live events left it “unviable”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has given an indicative date of September 14, at the earliest for a return of indoor live events with physical distancing and restricted numbers in place.
Organisers of the festival, due to run from October 1 to 11, said: “Unfortunately this means that the majority of shows, events and festivals can only operate at about 35% capacity, which makes them unviable”.
Shona Byrne, festival manager said “This was a difficult decision for all involved, but after discussing the feasibility with our partner venues and comedy promoters it was the only decision we could take given the continuing uncertainties surrounding physical distancing and the coronavirus pandemic.
“The safety, health and well-being of our festival staff, audiences and performers is at the heart of this decision.
“Aberdeen International Comedy festival has fast become a firm favourite in the north-east, attracting not just locals but visitors from further afield and we are committed to build on the success of the festival when it returns to the city in Autumn 2021 with an exciting line-up of top UK and international comedians.”
