Coronavirus claims another victim – Fife Festival of Music is cancelled

The Fife Festival of Music is the latest event to fall victim to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

The festival committee has announced the cancellation of its events for late 2020 and early 2021. The festival’s Funday in November and the main festival itself, due next February, will not be taking place due to the current situation regarding COVID-19.

Planning for the main January/February festival events takes 12 months and by mid-August all initial arrangements are usually in place. However, with so much uncertainty over so many aspects of life at the moment – with doubts over the long-term impact of social distancing, the behaviour of the virus itself, question marks over availability of venues and, in particular, the great pressures on schools and their work – the committee considered it inappropriate and impractical to pursue arrangements for February 2021.

“Everyone's safety is of paramount importance,” says Graeme Wilson, chair of the Fife Festival of Music. “It is with great regret and sadness that the committee has made this decision which will affect music-making, participation and fulfillment of the festival's purpose.”

He adds: “The festival committee wishes to offer its thanks to all who participate and contribute to events. Be assured that the festival will back in 2022 and will be seeking your support in whatever form possible.

“Meanwhile, FFoM will continue to look for any opportunities to allow it to offer platforms for music-making.”

The 41st Fife Festival of Music will take place between Monday 31 January and Friday 11 February 2022. Entries will close on 1 October 2021.