Blow as Tattoo is cancelled again in cash fear
THE Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been called off for a second year in a row – over ongoing uncertainty about what
Covid restrictions will be in place this summer.
Work had been expected to get under way this month for the event, with talks ongoing with the City of Edinburgh Council about building smaller-scale spectator stands.
But organisers have now pulled the plug on the world famous event saying it was clear the financial risks involved in pressing ahead with the event were “simply too great”.
Tattoo bosses said it would have been “irresponsible” to risk the long-term viability of the event after being unable to secure insurance to help pay for the increased costs of an eleventh-hour cancellation once the arena was in place.
The Tattoo launched ticket sales last October in the hope it would be able to go ahead at around half its normal capacity if distancing restrictions were still in place.
But an ongoing review of the future of social distancing in Scotland is not expected to be known until early next month.
The Tattoo, which has been staged at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade since 1950, is thought to be worth more than £100 million to the economy.
Chief executive Buster Howes said: “Despite the sense of optimism around the UK’S emergence from the pandemic and our huge enthusiasm to stage a performance this year, it is now clear that the financial risks we confront in delivering The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, at scale, on the Castle
Esplanade in August are simply too great.
“Consequently, it is with enormous regret and disappointment that we announce the cancellation of the 2021 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
“We have for months forensically monitored, assessed and sought to mitigate the constraints and uncertainties involved in mounting our show.
“However, we now reluctantly conclude it would be irresponsible to press on and to risk the longer-term financial viability of our charity, without the ability to underwrite and to offset the potential, substantial economic losses associated with last-minute cancellation obliged by changes in public health policy.
“This has been a very difficult decision.
“We appreciate it has far-reaching implications for our staff, performers, suppliers, and guests, but we must act responsibly and, in the best, long-term interests of all. Tickets for 2021 will be refunded in full: for those wishing to join us next year, tickets can be transferred to 2022.
“A tremendous amount of energy and effort goes into planning and delivering each Tattoo and this year was no exception. This is a very disappointing outcome.”