Coronavirus: Kirkcaldy's Links Market postponed

The Showmen’s Guild made the announcement via social media today, saying that the move had been made in a bid to combat the spread of the covid19 virus.

On Monday morning an emergency committee meeting was held, in which is was though the guild would emerge with the decision to cancel the 2020 event, but instead they deferred making decision until April 3.

However, that has changed this morning with the news that the event will now not go ahead in April.

In a statement, the Scottish section of the Showmen’s Guild, said: “In line with the national guidance from the UK and Scottish Governments on the Coronavirus we have taken the decision to postpone Kirkcaldy Links Market and Carlisle Easter Fair, in an effort to combat the spread of the virus.

“We believe that at this present time the decision to postpone these events is the correct one, in order to help preserve public safety.

“The Scottish Section of The Showmen’s Guild have offered the Scottish Government any assistance they require including HGV drivers and specialist equipment including skilled man power, we believe this is the time for us all to unite as a nation.

“We would like to thank all the services and public who have supported us in these trying times and look forward to getting back to entertaining you all as soon as possible.

“We would advise everyone to continue to observe the medical advice available at NHS Inform.”

The Kirkcaldy event had been scheduled to open on Wednesday, April 15, and finish on Monday April 20, which is around the time the virus is expected to peak.

It would have drawn around 100,000 visitors to Kirkcaldy, with people flocking from across Scotland to the event.

The origins for the Links Market can be traced back more than 700 years, and it is thought that it has never been cancelled in living memory.

In Pictures: Links Market 2019