The five cultural festivals held in Edinburgh every August will not take place this year, due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.
It's the first time in more than 70 years that the events will not take place. Edinburgh Art Festival, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will not happen as planned in 2020.
We are sad to announce @edbookfest will not take place in August 2020 due to risks surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic; the safety of our authors, audiences, supporters, staff and suppliers, and Edinburgh's residents, is of paramount importance. Read more https://t.co/GfOarEbu9z pic.twitter.com/ljKuf0CXc9
— Edinburgh Book Fest (@edbookfest) April 1, 2020
The annual events are a regular destination for Irish creatives, from theatremakers to comedians.
Culture Ireland is saddened to hear of the cancellation of the Edinburgh Festivals. For 2020, we were going to support a huge range of Irish artists @edintfest @edbookfest @edfringe We're thinking of our Scottish colleagues today but will return in 2021 stronger than ever. pic.twitter.com/z0akardVTG
— Culture Ireland (@culture_ireland) April 1, 2020
In a tweet, Culture Ireland said it was sad to hear the news, and that a huge range of Irish artists had been due to travel for the Festival, the Fringe and the Book Festival.
Culture Ireland said it was thinking of its Scottish colleagues today and will return in 2021 stronger than ever.
Well Edinburgh Fringe has been cancelled. (100% the right call)
— Sam Lake (@MrSamLake) April 1, 2020
I look forward to all the coronavirus themed show titles next year. Mine will be called "Samdemic"
