FRINGE by the Sea festival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The annual festival, due to take place in North Berwick in August, was officially ruled out for 2020 this evening (Wednesday).

Acts such as electronic dance music duo Basement Jaxx and hit singer Candi Staton had already been announced for the August 7-16 festival.

Jackie Shuttleworth, the festival’s general manager, said: “The First Minister’s indications are that events will be unable to take place for some months and therefore we feel we have no choice but to postpone this year’s festival.

"The health and safety of all those involved in the event is, as always, our top priority.”

Plans are now being drawn up for next year’s gathering.

Jackie added: “The good news is that we have been working with the acts announced so far with the aim of rescheduling their performances for next year’s Fringe by the Sea on August  6 to August 15.”

Tickets purchased for events at Fringe by the Sea (FBTS) 2020 will automatically be valid for the 2021 festival.

“If you have bought a ticket for FBTS 2020, you will receive an email from our ticketing partner Citizen Ticket with details of the new date of each event in 2021,” said Jackie.

“Although the majority of dates are already confirmed, please bear with us as we work to finalise details for each act.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of our ticket buyers as well as our sponsors, partners, volunteers, performers and Friends of Fringe by the Sea for your continued support of our not-for-profit festival, which means so much to so many in our community.

“We look forward to seeing you all next year in North Berwick, and making FBTS 2021 the best yet!”