Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester has been forced to postpone its second LGBTQIA+ Turn On Fest due to the rushed announcement last week of new, tougher pandemic restrictions.
The January 18-31 festival's calendar, published before Christmas, involved events such as a conversation between TV producer and writer Russell T Davies and Manchester favourite Julie Hesmondhalgh, a cabaret and a comedy game show - all of which expected a live audience.
The theatre has now announced the postponement of the event: "Delivering the best festival we possibly can, with the safety and wellbeing of our artists, performers and audiences, technical and theatre staff at its heart, is of paramount importance to us," says a statement.
"With that in mind, we have made the decision to postpone Turn On Fest 2021. We want to thank everyone and look forward to a day we can welcome a live audience through our doors again."
Hope Mill artistic director Joseph Houston added: "It is important that we deliver the festival in the fullest and safest way possible and this involves a live theatre experience for audiences.
"Turn On Fest was established to support and celebrate queer artists in the North West and we will continue to champion LGBTQIA+ work and look forward to bringing the festival to Manchester at a later date.”