The Edinburgh Science Festival 2020, scheduled for 4-19 April, is the latest victim of the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the Science Festival less than three weeks away from opening and a programme of over 270 events, Edinburgh Science has cancelled the festival.
The Festival’s key venue partners, the National Museum of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and City Are Centre managed by Museums and Galleries Edinburgh on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council have all announced their closures today until further notice.
Festival and Creative Director Amanda Tyndall said: “Now more than ever it is imperative that the public have access to robust, evidence-based science, delivered in a manner that is accessible to them. The Science Festival remains committed to that goal and to working with our wonderful partners across the science sector to help connect people with the latest science in these unsettling and challenging times."
Tyndall added: "We are exploring how we might do more online and whether any elements of the Festival might potentially be run later in the year and will keep you informed as plans develop. For now, we would like to thank our funders, sponsors, partners, participants and audiences for their loyalty, support and understanding in these unprecedented times.’’
Customers who had bought tickets in advance will be refunded immediately. Should anyone experience a delay they are advised to contact [email protected].
One event that is going ahead is Into the Blue, a large-scale outdoor photography exhibition showcasing the beauty, biodiversity and fragility of Scottish coasts and seas.
It opens on Portobello Promenade on Wednesday, 18 March. This exhibition is curated by Emily Raemaekers from the Science Festival with support from Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020. It’s a free, family-friendly and drop-in activity, open every day until 27 April.