The Altitude Comedy festival in Mayrhofen in the Austrian Tirol has announced it will take place on March 29th – April 2nd, 2021.
But the organisers, who until today had been hopeful they would avoid the increasingly comprehensive ban on events of almost all sizes now, have had to finally admit defeat and cancel this year’s festival.
“We tried. We really did. But it is with a heavy, heavy heart that we have to tell you that this week, the Austrian government has placed a ban on all indoor events for above 100 people. This ban is in place from now until April 3rd, is likely to be extended,” an online statement reads, continuing,
“We assessed the risks. We had contingency plans in place. We worked on all the options. But at the end of the day, your wellbeing, and that of our staff, artists and the whole community must come first. We sadly have to announce the cancellation of Altitude 2020 after all.”
Created in 2007 by comedians Andrew Maxwell and Marcus Brigstocke, the 12th staging of the Altitude Festival was due to have taken place in the few days at the end of the current period to April 3rd.
Image credit Anthony Upton
By announcing next year’s festival dates (…still the 12th staging), the organiser are hoping those who booked for this year, will hang on to their tickets and use the, next spring 2021 instead, as they’ll still be valid. However a refund is also on offer to those who don’t want to do that.
“That’s it, really. As we’ve said, this is unprecedented for Altitude, not the outcome we wanted or expected, and we are truly, truly sorry,” the statement continues, concluding, “We are absolutely gutted. Please look after yourselves and each other and hopefully we’ll see you all in Mayrhofen next Spring.”
Image credit Anthony Upton