EDINBURGH Fringe bosses are “optimistic” that coronavirus will not cancel this year’s event, bosses say.
In a statement last night, Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said it is working towards the summer showcase “with optimism” and aims to continue “as normal”, but went on: “We are living through strange and unprecedented times and trying to find our way, keep people safe and do the right thing with the resources we have on a daily basis. Amidst it all, it gives heart and hope to see companies and artists and venues continue to register their shows and plan for another joyous creative gathering in August.
“I completely understand and feel the uncertainties of the current situation for artists and audiences alike.
“We want to give reassurance to participants that the Fringe Society will do everything in its power to support those that help make the Fringe happen each year.”
She went on: “So much is still unknown, but with the Fringe still five months away, we remain optimistic that the festival will continue as usual in August.
“Over the next few weeks, we will be continuing our planning and day-to-day operations in line with the latest advice and recommendations. This includes limiting travel and digitising events where possible.
“Were the situation to dramatically change and the Fringe in its entirety had to be cancelled (through a Government directive on public events or gatherings in August), the Fringe Society will work with our insurers, Government stakeholders and – most importantly – our participants to limit the financial impact across the whole Fringe as much as we possibly can.
“We would also offer participants who have already paid the opportunity to roll their show registration forward to the 2021 Fringe to cover an equivalent show listing.”
Meanwhile, organisers of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival insist they will keep the curtain up.
The event began its run in Scotland’s biggest city on Thursday and the 18-day event features stars including TV favourite Jimmy Carr, US actors Steve Martin and Martin Short and South Africa’s Trevor Noah.
In a statement posted on social media, festival bosses said: “At the moment we have no plans to cancel the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, or any individual shows within it, due to coronavirus.
“We are monitoring the situation and following all official advice. Any announcements will be released via our website and social media.”
Culture Counts, an organisation representing Scotland’s creative sectors, is surveying its members about the impact of Covid-19 call-offs on their work.
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