The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Has Been Cancelled

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been cancelled. 

The news was announced this evening following Prime Minister Scott Morrison's announcement that the Government will advise against "non essential organised" mass gatherings of over 500 from Monday. 

Melbourne International Comedy Festival has advised that ticketholders will be notified regarding refunds shortly.

See the statement below. 

"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). Ticketholders 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."