Fèis Ìle and Campbeltown Malts Festival cancelled

Islay’s Fèis Ìle 2020 and the Campbeltown Malts Festival have become the latest whisky events to cancel following government guidelines put in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Islay’s Fèis Ìle has been cancelled due to the spread of coronavirus

Fèis Ìle 2020 was due to take place on the Scottish island of Islay from 22-30 May. The event’s organisers were forced to cancel this year’s event and the next festival will now be the 2021 instalment, which will take place from 28 May to 5 June 2021.

In a statement, organisers said: “Following Scottish government guidelines, with deep regret, we announce that Fèis Ìle 2020 is cancelled.

“We have made this decision after lengthy discussions between the committee and our distillery partners. To those who have bought tickets direct from Fèis Ìle, you will be contacted by our volunteers in the next seven days.

“We are devastated to have to announce this. We love our festival and welcoming people from around the world. We have considered the impact on islanders, local businesses and visitors alike.”

Also falling victim to strict social distancing guidelines implemented by the UK government is the Campbeltown Malts Festival.

Initially slated to take place on 19 and 20 May, ticket holders for the cancelled event will have the opportunity to re-book or receive a full refund.

The rapid spread of covid-19 has seen a number of events and festivals called off this week, including the Spirit of Speyside festival,  Whisky Live London, Whiskyfest Chicago and Canada’s Wonderful World of Whisky Show. The Wine & Spirits Show, set to take place in London next month, has also been postponed due to the pandemic.

The spread of the virus has also brought about the closure of distillery visitor centres, and pubs and bars in Europe and the US.