The plug has been pulled on Kirriemuir Bonfest which draws thousands of AC/DC fans to the Angus town in one of the area’s biggest annual summer events.
Organisers DD8 Music have urged fans of the band not to travel to Kirrie on the first weekend in May for a celebration which has been running for 15 years.
They have now launched a £50,000 crowdfunder to help secure the charity’s future.
The organisation will be hoping for a similar response from worldwide fans to that which funded a statue of Bon Scott, the baker’s son from Kirrie who was the lead singer in the band formed by Glasgow brothers Malcolm and Angus Young.
They met Scott in Australia after their respective families had emigrated down under and AC/DC shot to global success, before Scott’s tragic death in London in February 1980 after he passed out in a car following a night of heavy drinking.
Bonfest organisers said: “In light of advice received from the Scottish Government, it is with great sadness that we announce that Bonfest 2020 has now been cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
“Although very disappointing for everyone, we need to make sure that yourselves and the good people of Kirriemuir are as safe as they can be in these uncertain times.
“To protect the health and wellbeing of both yourselves and the residents of Kirriemuir we ask that you DO NOT travel to Kirriemuir over the festival weekend.”
“All ticket holders will receive an automatic refund from Brown Paper Tickets, so there is no need to contact us.”
The group added: “In this difficult time for the events community, if you feel able to donate your refund to help support DD8 Music as a charity we would greatly appreciate it.
“To help protect the future of Bonfest and the charitable work that DD8 Music carries out, please donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/BonFest
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has bought tickets, sponsored the festival, volunteered, supplied goods and services, bands and artists and anyone who has ever been involved over the past 15 festivals. We salute you!”
The appeal for the bronze of Bon saw donations flood in from AC/DC fans around the world.
