Event cancellations: the major concerts, sporting events and conferences cancelled in Scarborough because of coronavirus outbreak

In a press conference last night Prime Minister Boris Johnson said 'drastic action' was needed to tackle the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

He said: "Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact and to stop all non-essential travel.

“You should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues.”

Scarborough Punk Festival

Scarborough Punk Festival was due to take place at Scarborough Spa on March 28 but has now been postponed.

Organisers said in a statement: "Even if the government hasn't cancelled events outright yet, there is no telling if they will be forcing cancellations in the coming days/weeks, and if we proceed, we could be looking at a huge financial loss.

"We have looked at dates further into 2020, and due to band's availability and alternative festivals/events happening in the UK, we don't feel like there is a suitable option.

"We have therefore taken the decision to push the festival back until March 26/27 2021 - The dates that we had booked to host the second instalment of the festival."

Tickets will remain valid for the festival and the pre-show next year and organisers are aiming to securing most, if not all of the bands already booked.

Those who would prefer a refund for their tickets will be able to secure one.

Sci-Fi Scarborough

The popular sci-fi festival at Scarborough Spa, due to take place on April 4-5, has also been cancelled.

It will return on April 17-18 2021.

Organisers said: "It was inevitable, but the safety and health of everybody involved with the event and of course yourselves is paramount, and in view of such a serious world health crisis the sensible thing to do is close down public gatherings and try to contain Covid-19 from spreading any further.

"As you can imagine, we are absolutely gutted that it’s gone this way as a lot of hard work has gone into organising such a large scale event but this is the right thing to do in these trying times.

"We just hope that you all stay safe and well, and hope to see you all in 2021 for a show to remember."

Tickets can be retained for SFS 2021 or you may obtain a refund from source of purchase, box office at Scarborough Spa, Ticketmaster or in person from Mojos Music Cafe on Victoria Rd.

StokerCon UK

The event, slated for April 16-19 has been postponed.

Organisers said: "We have done everything we can to try to continue with StokerCon UK but, unfortunately, this is a fast-changing situation and, even though the UK still has one of the lowest rates of infection in the world, with other countries closing or restricting their borders and, understandably, an increasing number of cancellations, we are left with no choice but to radically reappraise the situation as it now stands.

"We are now actively exploring all options to postpone the convention until later in the year and putting together the best plan for everyone who has already signed-up to attend.

"For those who have booked flights to the UK, you should contact the airline, your insurance provider or your credit card supplier for a refund.

"For those travelling by train who have already bought tickets, LNER is offering refunds directly online by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling 03457 225 333. They just ask that you apply for your refund beforeApril 30, 2020.

"With the convention just a month away, we have already invested much of the money received in membership fees with third-party services.

"As you can imagine, this is going to take some time to sort out, and we will make further announcements when we have more news."

Scarborough YMCA

The YMCA on St Thomas Street has suspended all activities in light of the most recent government advice.

All shows scheduled between now and April 19 at the YMCA Theatre have been cancelled.

All other YMCA activities have been cancelled until April 6.

A YMCA spokesman said: "If you have bought tickets to a show that has been cancelled, then you are entitled to a refund.

"Many theatres are charitable enterprises like the YMCA Theatre, and have reached out to their audiences and asked for their support by donating their tickets.

"While ticket holders are all entitled to a refund for cancelled performances, the financial impact that refunding these tickets will have on us is vast.

"We urge anyone who can afford to donate the cost of their ticket, to show their support by doing so."

The theatre's advance box office will be open between 10am and 4pm each weekday until informed otherwise for enquiries and refund information.

Stephen Joseph Theatre

The theatre will suspend all activities this week until Sunday March 22.

A statement on their website reads: "Further to current government advice, which stipulates that people should avoid public buildings including theatres to help slow the spread of coronavirus, our extended management group including our trustees has agreed that we will suspend all activities at the Stephen Joseph Theatre this week.

"Our box office remains open to manage cancellations and will be in touch with customers with bookings that are affected.

"This is a fast-developing situation, and we will be making further announcements over the next few days as things become clearer."

Books by the Beach

Scarborough's Books by the Beach festival, due to take place from April 24-26, will now not take place.

Heather French, festival organiser, said: "After the recommendation from the government last night to avoid social gatherings, I have made the very difficult decision to cancel next month’s Books by the Beach.

"Unfortunately there will be financial fallout from the cancellation as Books by the Beach has no public funding and is totally dependent on ticket sales."

Heather has decided she won’t be organising any future festivals.

Crescent Arts

Crescent Arts is suspending all activities and closing the building with immediate effect.

Director Stuart Cameron said: "Due to recent Government advice and the developing Covid-19 situation, Crescent Arts has taken the decision to suspend all activities on the grounds of safety and well-being. Our building is now closed with immediate effect and all activities will cease until further notice.

"Please check back with us for updates, which you can do via our website, social media and email.

"During this time there will be limited staff availability whilst temporary working measures are in place.

"Meanwhile you can still contact us at [email protected]

"Thank you for your patience during this difficult time."

Scarborough Jazz Club

The club is suspending all its live gigs from this week onwards.

There will be no gig on March 18 and the rest of the programme for March and April have also been cancelled.

Plans for the summer programme have also been put on hold.

Organisers said: "We don’t know how long the present situation will continue but be assured this is not the end of Scarborough Jazz.

"We are looking at ways to keep the flame alive through other mediums (local radio, the internet) and will keep you informed as these plans take shape through our website, Facebook, direct emails and whatever else we can think of.

"Jazz and blues were born in hard times and adversity so if we can’t get through this no one can. Bird lives. So does Scarborough Jazz."

Scarborough Spa

Scarborough Spa has announced it is closing on Twitter.

The statement said: "Scarborough Spa will be closed to Sunday April 5 at present.

"The health & wellbeing of all our customers is our absolute priority at SIV & Scarborough Spa.

"A number of performances & events have been postponed or cancelled.

"We will update this thread with all changes to events"

Whitby Fish and Ships Festival

The festival which was due to take place from May 16-17 has been cancelled.

Organisers say it will return next year.

They made the announcement on Twitter, writing: "We are disappointed to announce that Whitby’s Fish & Ships Festival, due to take place 16-17 May, is cancelled.

"In line with Government advice on coronavirus, we have decided to postpone the event until 2021.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the planning so far."