Aberdeen Inspired has today announced the cancellation of Aberdeen International Comedy Festival, now one of Scotland big three comedy festivals, which was due to take place from 1 – 11 October 2020.
Following the First Minister’s update to the Scottish Parliament on 30 July that the country would remain in Phase 3 of the recovery route map, an indicative date of 14 September for the earliest return of indoor live events with physical distancing, restricted numbers was given. Unfortunately this means that the majority of shows, events and and festivals can only operate at about 35% capacity which makes them unviable.
Commenting on the cancellation of the festival, 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.
“The good news is that four comedians already on sale Daniel Sloss, Gary Meikle, Tez Ilyas and Jon Richardson are all rescheduling into 2021 and we are delighted to host their rescheduled dates as one off ‘Festival Nights’, so comedy fans still have something to look forward to In the early part of 2021.
“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.”
The rescheduled one off “Festival Nights” mean Gary Meikle will now take his show Surreal to the Music Hall on Saturday 13 February 2021, Daniel Sloss will bring HUBRIS to the Music Hall Aberdeen on Saturday 15 May 2021 and Tez Ilyas will perform his show Populist at the Lemon Tree on 30 September 2021.
The rescheduled date for headliner Jon Richardson, famed for his unique brand of self-deprecating humour will follow in the next few weeks. Jon was originally booked to close the festival weekend.
Tickets purchased will be valid for the new dates and customers who have already bought tickets will receive an email with all the new details. Please bear with us as we work with our ticketing partner Aberdeen Performing Arts to make contact as they have many shows on sale, which are being rescheduled and are working hard to manage customer queries and changes.