International Dance Festival Birmingham cancels show

Apr 22 2010 by Diane Parkes, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM’S International Dance Festival has been hit by a cancellation due to the flights chaos – just days after organisers said all shows were going ahead.

Festival bosses announced yesterday that Running Sushi with Liquid Loft and Chris Haring, which was to be performed at Ikon Eastside tomorrow and Saturday, has been pulled.

The perfomers were due to fly from Poland to the UK yesterday but were unable reach Birmingham in time for the performances. Ticket holders are being contacted and offered exchanges or refunds.

Festival co-artistic director David Massingham said: “Having previously thought that the ash cloud would not adversely affect the travel plans for visiting international companies, we have unfortunately since discovered that Running Sushi is unable to go ahead.

“Everyone concerned is very disappointed that these unprecedented circumstances have resulted in this cancellation and regret any inconvenience caused to those who have already bought tickets.

“With flights now slowly taking to the skies again festival organisers are continuing to monitor the rapidly changing situation but are hopeful that no further performances will be affected.

“If further changes to the programme are necessary then these will be announced at the earliest opportunity. Updates will also be made via the festival website www.idfb.co.uk.”