MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL and TIM MINCHIN are cancelled after Government impose ban on large gatherings

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Tim Minchin are among the most recent cancellations as a result of the Australian Government’s newly imposed ban.

A statement from the Comedy Festival said:

It is with a heavy heart we say, following the Prime Minister’s announcement about non-essential mass gatherings, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The success of our Festival is in the way that comedy transforms our city for the inspiration and entertainment of hundreds of thousands of comedy lovers.

Our primary concern is the health and welfare of our artists and participants, staff and audiences. Cancelling the Festival is heartbreaking but the only decision possible to support the community’s efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ticket holders will be notified shortly regarding refunds.

We’re devastated by the news, thank everyone for their understanding and support and look forward to sharing a laugh with you again soon.

Producers of Tim Minchin’s show, Back, said the following:

Due to the recent announcement by the Australian Government recommending all public gatherings over 500 people not to proceed, Tim Minchin’s Back tour has been postponed.

We thank you for your understanding as we work to reschedule the tour for later this year, an announcement about new show dates will be made in due course.

Ticket holders wishing to attend should retain their tickets pending confirmation of new dates. Patrons unable or unwilling to attend the new dates can obtain a full refund from the point of purchase.

The ticket agent will contact all ticket holders via email with information regarding the refund process.

For any questions relating to your ticket purchase, please contact the ticket agent.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

The ban prohibits gatherings larger than 500 people in order to control the spread of COVID-19, otherwise known as Coronavirus. It comes into action from Monday 16th. It is unknown how this will affect the rest of the arts industry.

Those with tickets for any MICF shows or Tim Minchin’s should contact their point of sale to organise refunds.