Breakout Festival cancelled

The inaugural Kirkcaldy Breakout Festival in Fife has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales.

The event – which was in aid of the NHS – was set to take place from May 27 to 29 on The Esplanade in Kirkcaldy.

Wet Wet Wet were booked to headline the event, with acts like Big Country, Hue and Cry, Sandi Thom and Callum Beattie also performing.

However, organisers say the “current economic climate” has led to ticket sales that make such live events “unviable”.

A statement issued on social media last night read: “It is with enormous regret that we have to announce the cancellation of Breakout.

“The current economic climate has led to a level of ticket sales that make live events unviable.

“We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all the bands, partner agencies and suppliers who have continued to give us their full support right to the last minute.”

Locals felt let down, with one person commenting: “First Party at the Park and now this! What a huge disappointment for everyone involved!”

Another said: “Sad day – I know how much hard work has gone into this and it promised to be something very special indeed for Kirkcaldy and the rest of Fife, even more so due to the nature of the good cause being supported.”

The Kirkcaldy Breakout Festival was originally due to take place on The Esplanade from October 8 to 10.

However, organisers felt it would be irresponsible given the spike in Covid cases locally at the time and it was delayed until May.

Plans for Breakout featured a main stage, a fairground with rides and stalls, and an acoustic tent which would transform into a dance tent at night.

It would have been the biggest music event in Fife this summer.