The event had already been postponed from May until September 2020, but in a press release issued today, Diversified Communications UK, the new owners of the event, explained that a further postponement was necessary.
"The magnitude and unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent government restrictions has hit the lives and livelihoods of people and businesses around the world. While strict lockdown measures are expected to ease over the coming weeks in Scotland, social distancing and restrictions on mass gatherings will remain for the foreseeable future," they explained.
Diversified UK’s managing director Carsten Holm added: “Like all businesses, we have been closely following the rapidly changing developments during these difficult times. Whilst we were hopeful that the current tough measures on restricted social interaction would be lifted by the autumn, there are still too many questions surrounding hotel availability, international travel, social distancing measures, and individual company policies, to make it viable to run the event this year. Clearly, the best and most responsible option for everyone involved is to wait and host an even better show in May 2021.
“We appreciate how important Aquaculture UK is to the industry it serves and are very sorry to disappoint the thousands of attendees that were planning on exhibiting and visiting. However, the success as well as the safety of our exhibitors, speakers and visitors has always been our priority and we are hoping that everyone will get behind this tough but necessary decision.
“The good news is that much of the event planning is already in place, and we go into 2021 with an incredible amount of goodwill and support. The Diversified UK team would like to thank everyone – our exhibitors, visitors, speakers and partners – for their continued support and patience. We look forward to working together to ensure that Aquaculture UK continues to be the celebration and gathering the industry deserves – and can be proud of.”
A decision on the 2020 Aquaculture Awards is still being finalised and will be announced in the coming days.
Aquaculture UK will take place from 18 May to 20 May 2021 at Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort in Scotland. For more information, please visit www.aquacultureuk.com.
