Adam Smith Festival of Ideas postponed due to spread fears

Kirkcaldy’s Adam Smith Festival of Ideas has been postponed amid concerns over the coronavirus.

The town’s popular food and drink festival has also been called off due to the spread of the virus.

Both were due to take place next weekend, with actress Joanna Lumley booked to headline the festival at the Adam Smith Theatre on March 21.

The annual Adam Smith Lecture would have been delivered the previous evening by Unicef executive director Henrietta Fore.

While only two people in Fife have been confirmed as having Covid-19, organisers said the health and safety of everyone involved and attending was paramount.

They hope to rearrange events for later in the year.

Michael Levack, chairman of the Adam Smith Global Foundation, said the decision to postpone came after considering advice from the government, the chief medical officer and NHS.

He said all of the events planned as part of this year’s programme, including a family fun day, had been called off.

He said: “We feel this is the safest thing to do given the current available guidance on the virus, the timing of events and the fact that some involved large gatherings of people, including families and potentially those at greater risk.

“Once events are rearranged, we will let everyone know the details and the box office will be in touch with all those who have purchased tickets.”

“We feel this is the safest thing to do given the current available guidance. MICHAEL LEVACK