Cheltenham Festivals has announced the cancellation of Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Cheltenham Science Festival 2020, following government advise against social gatherings during the Coronavirus crisis.
The organisers have acknowledged the disruption and disappointment that the cancellations will cause, but have stated that the safety of their customers, staff, volunteers and artists is the reason behind the decision.
Ali Mawle, Cheltenham Festival’s director of learning and public engagement, said: ‘When this crisis subsides, we are going to need culture more than ever to lift the spirits, foster community and galvanise creativity.
‘We ask supporters to help us safeguard the future of Cheltenham Festivals so we can continue to play our part locally, nationally and internationally. We are brimming with ideas of how to bring world-class culture to Cheltenham in the months to come.’
Jazz Festival ticket holders have the option to donate the cost of their ticket to Cheltenham Festivals, leave the money on their account, or receive a refund. Festival organisers say they will be in touch with ticketholders by email by Friday 20 March 2020.
See Coronavirus event cancellations and venue closures in Gloucestershire for the very latest.
