To our dear Fringe community

It is with heavy hearts that the staff and board of Island Fringe announce the cancellation of the 2020 Island Fringe Festival (scheduled July 28-August 2) due to the ongoing uncertainty created by COVID-19.

The health and community impacts of the virus continue to evolve rapidly. Despite the recent announcement of ‘Renew PEI, together’ phases, there are still too many uncertainties: when artists can rehearse; the accessibility of our performance venues; if our travelling artists can come to PEI and billet in someone’s home. Staff cannot adequately plan an Island Fringe Festival that our artists, staff, patrons, and volunteers know and love when the situation changes daily.

This is not a decision that we have come to lightly. In fact, we have second-guessed it many times over the past couple of weeks as we know that the outlook on Prince Edward Island is a fairly positive one.

Regardless, there will be no Island Fringe Festival in 2020.

We are sad and we are mourning the loss of IFF2020. We know that so many of you look forward to seeing the unconventional performances that Island Fringe Festival brings to downtown Charlottetown each summer. We also know that our 2020 artists were thrilled to be part of our festival and are disappointed that it has to cancel—they will be given first-right-of-refusal for our 2021 festival. Island Fringe staff and board have not made this decision lightly, or without acknowledging the impact it will have on our community– financially, emotionally, and creatively.

We want to take a moment to thank all of our volunteers, venues, and sponsors—including the City of Charlottetown and Innovation PEI—we appreciate your continued support and we look forward to working with you again.

We also want to thank the essential workers who have been so dedicated to the health and safety of all Islanders. Each and every one of you is remarkable.

We may not have a festival in 2020, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have some fun. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media (@IslandFringe on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) for a few surprises.

We love Island Fringe artists, patrons, and volunteers. We will miss seeing your shining faces this summer. Thank you for your support and understanding. Please stay safe. We hope to see you again soon.

On behalf of the staff and board of Island Fringe
Grace Kimpinski, Festival Director