THE world-famous Edinburgh Tattoo has been cancelled for the second year running because of the ongoing Covid crisis.
The Tattoo, which first performed in 1950, has been called off for 2021 due to the financial risks involved if coronavirus were to force the organisers’ hand late in the day.
Buster Howes, the chief executive of the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Despite the sense of optimism around the UK’s emergence from the pandemic and our huge enthusiasm to stage a performance this year, it is now clear that the financial risks we confront are simply too great.
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“Consequently, it is with enormous regret and disappointment that we announce the cancellation of the 2021 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.”
The Tattoo’s official Twitter account has been put “on mute”. The next event will now be held from August 5 till August 27, 2022.
Despite the sense of optimism around the UK's route out of the COVID-19 pandemic and our desire to stage a Show this year, the financial implications against the risks we face are simply too high. It is with deep regret that we must announce the cancellation of the 2021 Tattoo. pic.twitter.com/9DLX8CoLtp
— EdinburghTattoo (@EdinburghTattoo) May 18, 2021
The Tattoo is performed to a live audience of 220,000 annually on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, with a further global TV audience of more than 100 million.
In 2010, the event was renamed The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo after Queen Elizabeth bestowed the “Royal” title in honour of its 60th birthday.
Howes went on: “We have for months forensically monitored, assessed and sought to mitigate the constraints and uncertainties involved in mounting our show. However, we now reluctantly conclude it would be irresponsible to press on and to risk the longer-term financial viability of our charity, without the ability to underwrite and to offset the potential, substantial economic losses associated with last-minute cancellation obliged by changes in public health policy.
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“This has been a very difficult decision. We appreciate it has far-reaching implications for our staff, performers, suppliers, and guests, but we must act responsibly and, in the best, long-term interests of all. Tickets for 2021 will be refunded in full: for those wishing to join us next year, tickets can be transferred to 2022.
“A tremendous amount of energy and effort goes into planning and delivering each Tattoo and this year was no exception. This is a very disappointing outcome.
“We will now refocus to find other ways to contribute to the national spirit of recovery this year and to surprise and delight the people of our city and from further afield.
“We would like to thank all our ticket holders, friends and stakeholders for their patience over the past year as we have navigated the uncertainty of the pandemic.
“Their continuing commitment and support has been much appreciated by everyone at the Tattoo and we look forward to welcoming them back to the Esplanade in the future.”
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