A major Fife arts and music festival has been shelved.
Organisers of Dunfermline’s Outwith Festival have taken the “very difficult” decision to cancel the event, scheduled to take place from September 1 to 6, after “extensive” consultation with national bodies and local authorities.
They have announced festival dates for 2021 – September 7 to 12.
Those who have already bought tickets for this year’s festival will be able to request a refund or transfer them to 2021. ONFife box office will be emailing ticket holders with details.
Chris Foote, from organisers Delivering Dunfermline, said: “We’re especially disappointed for our town – for the 23 venues that would have been hosting events, for the performers, organisers, volunteers and for the audiences that have so far made this a brilliant annual festival.
“However, there are much more important challenges facing us all at the moment. Our thoughts go out to all those who have been directly affected by the pandemic.”
Mr Foote said organisers are working closely with funders to help support next year’s event.
“Behind the scenes we’ll also be working online with local artists, musicians and performers to support the development of their work and create a programme for 2021.
“Later in the year, there will also be announcements on the line-up planned for next September and, hopefully, when safe to do so, plans for some exciting special one-off shows.”
Dunfermline’s Outwith Festival launched in September 2017 and has doubled in size each year.
Audiences of 9,000 attended 74 film, music, comedy, literature, theatre and art events in 23 venues with over 300 performances from September 3 to 8 in 2019.
Last year’s festival was estimated to have had £334,000 worth of economic impact, double the previous year.
