Kirkcaldy’s high-profile Adam Smith Festival of Ideas has been postponed amid concerns over the coronavirus.
The town’s hugely popular food and drink festival has also been called off due to the spread of the virus, which has so far affected more than 450 people across the UK.
Both events were due to take place next weekend, with actress Joanna Lumley booked to headline the festival at the Adam Smith Theatre on March 21.
The annual Adam Smith Lecture would have been delivered the previous evening by Unicef executive director Henrietta Fore, who would have had to have flown from the USA.
While only two people in Fife have been confirmed as having the Covid-19 virus, organisers said the health and safety of everyone involved and attending was paramount.
They hope to rearrange events for later in the year.
Michael Levack, chairman of the Adam Smith Global Foundation, said the decision to postpone was made at a board meeting on Tuesday night, taking into account advice from the Government, the chief medical officer and the NHS.
He said all of the events planned as part of this year’s programme, including a family fun day, had been called off.
“The health and safety of everyone involved and attending is paramount and we do not want anyone to be put at risk,” he said.
“The board has understandably decided to be cautious and postpone the events.
“We feel this is the safest thing to do given the current available guidance on the virus, the timing of events and the fact that some involved large gatherings of people, including families and potentially those at greater risk.”
Mr Levack said the board apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked everyone involved for their understanding.
“Once events are rearranged, we will let everyone know the details and the box office will be in touch with all those who have purchased tickets.”
Speakers at previous Adam Smith Festivals have included former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the inventor of the internet Tom Berners Lee.
