Dublin Fringe cancels outdoor events due to new Covid curbs

THE Dublin Fringe Festival has announced the cancellation of all outdoor shows for the 2020 season due to new Covid-19 restrictions.

The arts festival is due to take place in venues throughout Dublin between September 5 and 20.

Due to the wide range of pandemic limitation measures announced by Taoiseach Micheál Martin last Tuesday, including a 15-person attendance limit at outdoor events, the Dublin Fringe has called off all outdoor performances.

But organisers have insisted that indoor shows and installations will proceed in accordance with public health guidelines.

In a statement posted on the official

Dublin Fringe Festival website yesterday, organisers said: ‘Following the events of last week, we have had detailed conversations with many stakeholders to seek clarity and understand what the updated Government guidelines announced on August 21 would mean for the Dublin Fringe Festival programme.

‘Led by consistent Government and scientific advice that outdoor events were safer for artists, audience and staff, Dublin Fringe Festival responded by developing and planning a bespoke strand of imaginative outdoor programming for September 2020.’

The statement added: ‘To adhere to new restrictions for outdoor gatherings of over 15 people, Dublin Fringe Festival have to cancel our scheduled outdoor events.

‘All other festival programming remains in place and is going ahead in line with existing safety protocols.’

While refunds will be offered on tickets for outdoor performances, the organisers have appealed to the public for financial support.

They said: ‘If you are in a position to give, we ask that you consider donating the cost of your ticket to Dublin Fringe Festival to support our continued efforts at delivering a festival and supporting artists, this year and in the future.’