Edinburgh Cocktail Week has announced that this year's October event will no longer go ahead as they are not confident that physical distancing measures will have been lifted.
The hugely popular festival was due to take place from 12-18 October, however it has been rescheduled for a year later in October 2021.
Despite Edinburgh beginning to ease out of lockdown, organisers have stated that it cannot run if social distancing measures are still in place due to a much more limited capacity of those who can attend.
Any tickets already purchased for the 2020 event will be rolled over to next year or a refund is available for those who will not be able to attend.
The cocktail festival has proved a huge success in the capital in recent years, with a large pop up tent outside the Sheraton hotel as well as multiple bars around the city getting involved and offering a select discounted cocktail menu.
Managing Director Gary Anderson has stated that organisers have waited over the last few months to see how the pandemic would develop and if they would be able to run the festival.
However, he then confirmed that the event will not go ahead, adding:
"At this time, we are not confident physical distancing will have been lifted by October. Physical distancing drastically reduces the capacity of the participating bars, event venues and the Cocktail Village, which makes even a scaled-back festival impossible for us to deliver.
"Therefore, despite our very best efforts and unbreakable optimism, we sadly announce the cancellation of Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2020.
"I understand how disappointing this news must be for everyone who was looking forward to a day out with their friends - it is just as heart-breaking for us too. But we will be back! An extra year gives us time to plan even bigger celebrations for our 5th birthday party in October 2021 (11th – 17th). I look forward to raising a glass with you then!"
The festival have also stated that they will continue to try and engage with the community throughout the e=year, running small pop up events and other experiences.
If you are unable to make next year’s dates, a refund is available. To claim a refund, please go to the Citizen Ticket website and click “Apply for a Refund” in the website footer. Refund requests must be made before 9th July 2020.
