Coronavirus measures nix comedy festival

The Altitude Comedy Festival in the Austrian Alps has become the latest stand-up event to fall victim to the coronavirus.

The event was due to kick off in the resort of Mayrhofen on March 30, but the Austrian government has slapped a ban on all indoor events involving more than 100 people to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

Comics Marcus Brigstocke (pictured) and Andrew Maxwell set up the festival and were due to appear alongside the likes of Daniel Sloss, Reginald D Hunter and Rich Hall.

In a statement on the website, organisers said: ‘We tried. We really did. But it is with a heavy, heavy heart that we have to tell you that this week, the Austrian government has placed a ban on all indoor events for above 100 people. 

‘We assessed the risks. We had contingency plans in place. We worked on all the options. But at the end of the day, your wellbeing, and that of our staff, artists and the whole community must come first. We sadly have to announce the cancellation of Altitude 2020 after all…. 

‘This is unprecedented for Altitude, not the outcome we wanted or expected, and we are truly, truly sorry. We are absolutely gutted.’

Tickets can be refunded or will be honoured for the 2021 festival.

Published: 12 Mar 2020