As 2019 programme launched...
Tynecastle hosts Festival opener amid Brexit worries
Fergus Linehan: ‘Brexit confusion is worrying’ (pic: Terry Murden)
Hearts’ Tynecastle Park stadium will host an orchestral opening event for this year’s Edinburgh International Festival as organisers opt for a change of tone. The spectacular light shows, which have lit up the castle, St Andrew Square and the Usher Hall in the last three years, have been dropped in favour of a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the first of four concerts in the city.
This year’s Festival programme is shrouded in Brexit uncertainty which is causing huge concern among organisers of the world’s biggest arts event.
Fergus Linehan, director of the Edinburgh International Festival, said 2,600 artists from 40 nations will be drawn to the city as well as thousands of overseas visitors.
“Any interruption in terms of travel arrangements would be a major concern,” he said, speaking ahead of today’s programme launch. “We have to think about the transport of sets and costumes and other equipment apart from the people.
“It is a straightforward business decision. If there is any confusion it would be hugely worrying.”
