Organisers have cancelled the 2020 Aberdeen International Comedy Festival, saying physical distancing restrictions will make the event “unviable”.
It was due to take place from October 1-11, with performers including Jon Richardson and Daniel Sloss signed up to participate in the comedy cavalcade.
But Aberdeen Inspired, which manages the event, said the current coronavirus lockdown route map means the majority of shows would only be able to operate at 35% capacity.
Tickets were already on sale for four comedians – Richardson, Sloss, Tez Ilyas and Gary Meikle – and these dates are now being rescheduled for 2021, ahead of the festival’s return proper later in the year.
Festival manager Shona Byrne 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.
“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.”
The rescheduled 2021 dates:
- Gary Meikle, Music Hall, February 13
- Daniel Sloss, Music Hall, May 15
- Tez Ilyas, Lemon Tree, September 30
- A date for Jon Richardson will be set in the coming weeks.
