October gigs called off as social distancing makes it unviable

The Aberdeen International Comedy Festival, due to  take place from October 1 to 11, has been called off.

The news comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon indicated that live performances would not be allowed in Scotland before September 14 - and even then with  physical distancing restricting venue’s capacity.

Festival manager  Shona Byrne 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 good news is that four comedians already on sale Daniel Sloss, Gary Meikle, Tez Ilyas and Jon Richardson are all rescheduling into 2021 as one-off "festival nights".

 Meikle will now take his show Surreal to the Music Hall on Saturday February 13, Sloss will bring Hubris to the Music Hall on Saturday May 15 and Ilyas will perform his show Populist at the Lemon Tree on September 30,  Richardson’s show has yet to be given a new date.

Published: 3 Aug 2020