Kirkcaldy's 2021 Links Market postponed as COVID restrictions on crowds remain

Kirkcaldy’s Links Market will not go ahead this April and has instead been postponed, with organisers hoping to re-schedule the event later this year.

The Scottish section of the Showmen's Guild made the announcement at lunchtime today.

It comes after the loss of the 2020 event because of the pandemic.

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Alex James Colquhoun, chairman of the Scottish Section of The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain said that following a full and careful consideration of the pandemic restrictions, the decision had been taken to postpone the historic event, which draws around 100,000 visitors from across Scotland to Kirkcaldy.

Kirkcaldy Links Market was last held in 2019. Pic: Michael GillenKirkcaldy Links Market was last held in 2019. Pic: Michael Gillen
Kirkcaldy Links Market was last held in 2019. Pic: Michael Gillen

He said he hoped they can reschedule the fair for another date later on in 2021.

The Links Market is Europe's longest street fair and the oldest in Scotland, having been established in the early 1300s.

Mr Colquhoun said: “We have taken the decision to postpone Kirkcaldy’s Links Market for its normal operating dates in 2021.

The Links Market will not go ahead this April. Pic: Michael Gillen.The Links Market will not go ahead this April. Pic: Michael Gillen.
The Links Market will not go ahead this April. Pic: Michael Gillen.

“The announcement of the release of the Covid vaccine gave us all fresh hope that our 2021 event could be held on its traditional dates, but with the continuing uncertainty around restrictions for outdoor events, social distancing and with lockdown measures continuing to be in place for the foreseeable future, we believe that at this present time the decision to postpone this event is the correct one.“We do however hope that by working with Fife Council, Police Scotland and all our other partners involved in the Links Market we can reschedule for a later date in 2021 when mass vaccinations will ease current restrictions enough for fun fairs to re-open.”He continued: “The Scottish Section of The Showmen's Guild has not taken this decision lightly and we fully understand that this will be very disappointing news for so many, but we consider this to be the only sensible and responsible decision during this time of uncertainty to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone.“We fully understand how important the Links Market is to many people and we will do everything we can to hold the event later this year.”He added: “We would like to thank all the services and the public who have supported us in these trying times.”

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