FOR the first time in over 70 years there will be no Festival and no Fringe in Edinburgh this August. 

The Edinburgh Art Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have all been forced to cancel, falling victim to the coronavirus pandemic.

Between them the five summer festivals put on more 5000 events in the capital and bring in audiences of 4.4 million.

Nick Barley from the Book Festival said it would not have been appropriate "to bring large numbers of people from all over the world together in Edinburgh in August". 

Shona McCarthy, the Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, described the decision as “heart-breaking”

“However, having taken advice and considered all the options, we  collectively believe this is the only appropriate response,” she added.

“The safety of participants, audiences, local residents and indeed everyone connected to our festivals will always come first. Our thoughts today are with the doctors, nurses, health and social care professionals on the front line, as well as all those affected by this dreadful pandemic.

"Our sympathies too are with the thousands of artists and participants directly affected by today’s decision – we will do everything we can to support you over the coming months.”

Fergus Linehan, the director, Edinburgh International Festival, said work was already underway for next year’s effort. 

“The Edinburgh International Festival was born out of adversity – an urgent need to reconnect and rebuild. The current crisis presents all at the Festival with a similar sense of urgency. Work begins straight away on a 2021 Festival season that will boost both our spirits and our economy.”

Barley hinted that his festival  may continue in some other form. 

He said: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that the Edinburgh International Book Festival will not take place as a physical entity in August of this year due to the risks surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, however the safety of not only our authors, our audiences, our staff and our suppliers, but also that of the people who live and work in our wonderful city, is of paramount importance and we believe that planning to bring large numbers of people from all over the world together in Edinburgh in August is not appropriate this year.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the Government was looking at way to support seasonal staff "who will suffer some of the greatest impact."

She said: "The Scottish Government will work with the festivals and all partners to ensure they can build on their previous success and return to the stage in 2021.”

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