Just the latest lockdown casualty

The Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival, which was due to take place in mid-July, is the latest live event to become a casualty of the coronavirus lockdown.

Organisers have pulled the plug on the event, which comprised solo shows, mixed bill line-up and previews for the Edinburgh Fringe, which has also been pulled.

In a statement, directors Beth McGowan and Kevin Bland said: ‘Obviously, we are devastated to have to do this. We invest our heart and soul, time and no little amount of money into the festival every year and we're gutted we won't be able to welcome you to our beautiful town to enjoy the line up we were, once again, intensely proud of. 

‘Clearly, once the Edinburgh Festival was cancelled it put a different light on SICFest which is predominantly set up as an Edinburgh preview opportunity. However, this decision is made with everyone's safety and well being in mind & we’re sure won’t have come as a huge surprise to anyone. 

‘We WILL be back next year though, and we are just working on getting the dates tied down so please bear with us.’

Comics liked up to appear included Simon Evans, pictured, Tom Stade, Steve Hughes, The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue, Lou Conran, Lauren Pattison and Scott Bennett

Tickets can either be retained as credits for next year’s event or refunded.

Published: 6 May 2020