Eilean Dorcha Festival 2020 is cancelled

The Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF), which was due to take place in Benbecula at the end of July, has been cancelled for this year.

The announcement about the decision was made on the event’s website this morning (Thursday, March 26th).

In a statement about the move, the organisers said: “We are devastated to have to announce that EDF2020 has been CANCELLED due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Up until this week we were still busy progressing with EDF2020 as planned, but unfortunately with the impact of the pandemic on the logistics of getting the infrastructure to the island and the uncertainty around restrictions on gatherings and licensing of events, this sadly means it has become impossible to plan and manage the logistics required to hold a safe event.

“As always, our priority is ensuring EDF is first and foremost a safe, family-friendly event and sadly this cannot be guaranteed with the current restrictions in place. We cannot gamble on safety.

“We were all looking forward to our 5th anniversary event, and we still are, albeit it won’t now happen until 2021.

“Our thanks go to those who have purchased tickets. Your ticket will remain valid for EDF2021 which will be held on the 30th and 31st July.

“Your commitment to the 2021 festival will ensure that EDF survives and we can continue to support our island musicians and economy.

“Should you not be able to attend EDF2021 and wish to request a refund on your 2020 ticket please contact [email protected] with your name and ticket order ID so we can get this processed by Eventbrite as soon as possible.

“Can we please ask for patience on these refund requests as this is obviously an exceptional situation that will take some time to resolve.

“We have to manage all the administration on top of negotiating existing contracts, deposits, sponsors, etc.

“All refund requests must be received by 5pm on Friday 24th April 2020.

“The local community is at the heart of our festival so, from our community to yours, we are wishing you all good health.

“Thank you to our main festival sponsors MOWI and Ask Car Hire and our travel partners Loganair and Calmac Ferries for continuing to support our island festival and for being so understanding and helpful during these difficult times.

“We will be back, but in the meantime, stay safe, look after each other and we’ll welcome you back to Benbecula in 2021 for one huge party!”

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