Which festivals have been cancelled or postponed in Scotland this year?

From music festivals to comedy shows, events across Scotland are being axed in a bid to halt the ever-growing coronavirus pandemic.

The Scottish Government was forced to ban large gatherings and now groups of more than two people can be fined for breaking social distancing measures.

Scotland is usually a staple on the festival scene and no-one puts on a show quite like us.

From thousands of revellers spending a summer weekend watching top acts at TRNSMT to enjoying the buzzing streets of Edinburgh during the Fringe, there is always something going on.

But due to the coronavirus outbreak, organisers have been forced to cancel or postpone some of the country’s biggest events.

We have a run down of which festivals have been axed, rescheduled or are still going ahead:

Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee

Cancelled

The BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, due to be held in Camperdown Park in Dundee over the weekend of May 22-24 has been cancelled.

Over 70,000 people were expected to attend, but BBC Radio 1 says it has to prioritise the health of all those involved amid the coronavirus pandemic.

This would have been the second time the major festival has been held in Dundee after it came to the Scottish site in 2006.

This year’s star-studded line-up included Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Camila Cabello, Calvin Harris, Biffy Clyro and AJ Tracey.

The news was announced on March 13, with Radio 1 releasing a statement that read: “After careful consideration we have come to the decision that Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2020 in Dundee will not go ahead.

“This decision has been made in conjunction with our event partners, in line with the advice from the Scottish government, and while we know fans looking forward to purchasing tickets will be disappointed, it is important that we prioritise the health and safety of all those involved.”

Edinburgh’s festivals

Cancelled

Edinburgh’s festivals have been scrapped for the first time in 70 years due to coronavirus.

The five festivals which transform the Scottish capital each summer – Edinburgh Arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – will not go ahead due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The festivals comprise over 5000 cultural events and welcome audiences of approximately 4.4million in August.

25,000 artists, writers and performers from 70 countries take part – collectively making them the second biggest cultural event in the world after the Olympics.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the cancellation was “heartbreaking, but the right decision”.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the festivals would be “missed greatly”.

Edinburgh’s festivals have been scrapped for the first time in 70 years due to coronavirus
(Image: Getty Images)

Coronavirus in Scotland

TRNSMT

Going ahead

TRNSMT Festival will go ahead this year despite the coronavirus outbreak.

Festival bosses made the announcement following fan speculation that it may not go ahead after several other music events have been cancelled completely or postponed for a later date.

In a statement on their website, they said: “TRNSMT Fest Fam. TRNSMT is still scheduled to go ahead as planned and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the event in 16 weeks.

“The health and safety of festival goers, staff, artists and the surrounding community is our main priority and we are constantly monitoring the situation in accordance with advice from the World Health Organisation, Health Protection Scotland, UK and Scottish Government and local public health authorities. Love, TRNSMT x’

The 2020 TRNSMT line up includes the likes of, Lewis Capaldi, The Courteeners, Liam Gallagher and Snow Patrol.

It will be held on Glasgow Green on July 10-12.

Rewind

Going ahead

Rewind is due to be held in the grounds of Scone Palace in July.

The Rewind team said they are still to make a final decision on whether the festival is going ahead, following the news that Glastonbury 2020 was being axed.

A spokesman said: “Clearly at this stage it is early days with regards to the summer and everyone is reacting dynamically to the ongoing situation.

“However, in all situations like these our position is that we will be 100% led by the experts and adhere to the advice given.”

Acts include Wet Wet Wet, Jimmy Somerville and other stars of the 1980s.

Riverside festival

Postponed

Organisers announced the festival will be postponed until the weekend of September 12 and 13.

The line-up – which includes the likes of Disclosure – will remain largely intact.

A statement read: “After a consultation period within the music industry and updated advice from the Scottish and UK Governments, we have rescheduled to the weekend of September 12/13.

“These dates are realistic in timescale for the lifting of the current restrictions and in the past few years they have seen good weather too! In any case, we will have larger areas of the festival undercover than previously, including one of the stages.”

FLY Open Air

Postponed

FLY Open Air announced the festival will be moved to 19-20 September.

The electronic festival held in Edinburgh was due to take place May 16-17.

A statement read: “Due to the developments of COVID-19, and in line with advice from the Scottish Government, we are announcing the rescheduling of FLY Open Air to the 19th & 20th September.

“We are all incredibly devastated by this news but must stand united and support each other during these difficult times.”

Glasgow comedy festival

Postponed

A number of the biggest shows at the comedy festival have been cancelled or postponed.

All events at the King’s Theatre, including Stewart Lee, Jerry Sadowtiz, Janey Godley, John Shuttleworth, Susie McCabe and Jim Smith are to be rescheduled.