Official statement from the Senior Management Board of Cheltenham Festivals
It is with deep regret that Cheltenham Festivals has taken the decision to cancel this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Cheltenham Science Festival, in response to the worst public health crisis in a generation. The safety of our Festival-goers, artists, staff, volunteers, partners and the wider community is our priority, in relation to COVID-19.
Our charity was born in 1945 during the second world war as a response from the creative community to a global crisis. Since this time, we have brought the very best artists, writers and scientists to Cheltenham; created unique experiences and a year-round outreach programme to engage everyone with science and the arts. We are determined to secure our work for the future with the help of all those who have been so generous to support our Festivals over the years.
We know the cancellation of our Festivals will be disruptive and disappointing. We ask for support and patience as we navigate our way through these unprecedented times and consider different options.
Extraordinary circumstances such as this pandemic have serious financial consequences for us. As a not-for-profit charity we hope our supporters and audiences will be willing to work with us to find a way forward.
Ali Mawle 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.”
Explore Gloucestershire
18 March 2020
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