Grim faces as comedy festival axed

COMEDY FANS have been left grim-faced after a series of gigs was scrapped midway through.

The Kirkcaldy Interactive Comedy Festival began on October 5 and was due to bring Brian Blessed, Fringe favourite Josie Long and German stand-up Henning Wehn to the Fife town.

But Kreative Destiny has pulled out of the three-week programme.

The Kirkcaldy social enterprise company, which was established in June by businessman and film-maker Bob Carruthers, pledged to honour its commitment to staging shows over the weekend, but all events from today have been cancelled.

It is unclear whether ticket holders will be refunded.

News that the plug had been pulled was revealed by Kirkcaldy4All, the business improvement district group which commissioned the festival.

It said Kreative Destiny, which was also behind ill-fated plans for Hogmanay celebrations in the Town Square, was “unable to deliver” the remainder of the festival.

A short statement issued by Kirkcaldy4All said: “We commissioned Kreative Destiny to create, promote and deliver a bigger and better festival. We are very disappointed to receive this news.

“Support has been received from local businesses, some of whom either sponsored or hosted events. Kirkcaldy4All would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.”

Kirkcaldy4All insisted responsibility for the event and any reimbursement remained with Kreative Destiny, but Mr Carruthers said any refunds should be made by Kirkcaldy4All.

“My understanding is that Kirkcaldy4All have taken over the running of the festival from October 15 onwards,” he said.

“All events scheduled prior to that date ran smoothly.

“As agreed with Kirkcaldy4All, any cancellation or refunds after that date will be the responsibility of Kirkcaldy4All and anyone requiring a refund or payment should contact them.”

Directorship of Kreative Destiny was transferred several weeks ago from Mr Carruthers to Clare Gambold. In a letter to Kirkcaldy4All, she states that Kreative Destiny still owned the festival.

She also claimed intervention of Kirkcaldy4All executive members had adversely affected the running of the event and led to Mr Carruthers’ resignation from it.

She wrote: “I stand by Bob’s position that the festival has been delivered in incredibly short timescales.

“It is disappointing that the project has to end this way but you will understand that the stance of your executive leaves me with no alternative.”

Earlier this month Kreative Destiny was refused funding by Fife Council for a Hogmanay party in Kirkcaldy.

Concerns had been voiced about its lack of track record.

The digital media, publishing and events company based in the New Club has also proposed to stage music festivals, arts festivals and a national bridal fair.

Mr Carruthers was also behind the spoof zombie movie shot at Stark’s Park.