With the rapid spread of coronavirus throughout the world and now the UK, many events and mass gatherings are feeling the effects and having to cancel. This comes as bad news to all but with public health the priority, large-scale events are no longer deemed as safe and also are prime areas for the virus to spread. Here are some events in Brighton & Hove that have been cancelled or rescheduled.
Brighton Festival
Based on the latest government advice around social distancing measures and the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK is projected to coincide with the timing of the Festival in May, all planned events have been suspended. Brighton Festival was due to take place from Sat 2 – Sun 24 May 2020 and is the largest annual, curated multi-arts festival in England. Customers who have booked tickets for events will be contacted by the Festival ticket office as soon as possible with refund information.
Brighton Marathon
Unfortunately, the annual Brighton Marathon has been postponed to the weekend Fri 18 Sep – Sun 20 Sep 2020. This comes as a huge blow to those who have been training rigorously to be ready for the scheduled April run. The organisers have apologised to those affected by the postponement and are encouraging people to continue fundraising for the delayed event. The reasons for postponing the event have been cited as the escalation of coronavirus with the decision being made with advice from official bodies.
Brighton Fringe
The city is saddened at the news that the Brighton Fringe has been postponed until September/October 2020. Over 1,000 events that were part of the Brighton Fringe are no longer happening amid fears of coronavirus spreading further. Brighton Fringe CEO Julian Caddy has said in a statement that he is devastated that the Fringe will be unable to proceed in May but that organisers were not giving up easily, doing everything they can to have a successful Fringe later in the year around September time. Those with tickets will able to hold them for rescheduled events or for Brighton Fringe 2021.
Rick Astley Tour
Rick Astley’s ‘Greatest Hits Tour 2020’ has also sadly had to reschedule its date at the Brighton Centre as a result of coronavirus. The event will now be held on Tues 27 Oct 2020 as fans are urged to keep hold of their tickets which will be valid for the rescheduled show. In a statement made by Rick, the musician revealed he was gutted about the postponement but had to think about everybody’s health and safety.
Romesh Ranganathan: The Cynic’s Mixtape
Another show that has been postponed is Romesh Ranganathan: The Cynic’s Mixtape. The comedian was supposed to be back after three successful shows in 2019 created overwhelming demand. The Brighton Dome, where this show was due to take place, has taken the decision to close temporarily from Tues 17 Mar following the Governments latest advice to the public. Ticket Buyers will be contacted as the event is rescheduled.
Record Store Day UK
In a hit to record stores across the country, Record Store Day has been delayed to Sat 20 Jun. This decision has been taken to give record stores the best chance for a successful Record Store Day and with public health in mind. The organisers look forward to celebrating Record Store Day when people can gather safely to share their love of the indie record store.
Ricky Gervais: SuperNature
Another Brighton Centre event that has had to reschedule due to coronavirus is Ricky Gervais’ SuperNature. The tour was set to be performed on Weds 25 Mar and Thurs 26 Mar following the success of Ricky’s Netflix stand-up special ‘Humanity’. The new dates for his show are Weds 4 Nov and Thurs 5 Nov 2020 with all tickets valid for the later dates. The rescheduling is a shame for fans of Ricky Gervais as he is one of the most prominent comedians in the UK.
Featured image by David Smith
