The island’s arts and entertainment calendar for 2020 has been virtually wiped clean, following the announcement of government measures designed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Over the past week many annual and much-anticipated events have fallen by the wayside, including many of the scheduled performances of international artists at the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre.

Shortly after Monday evening’s announcement, shows by comedians Rob Beckett, who was due to appear in front of a sold-out crowd tonight (Thursday), and Rhod Gilbert, set to appear on Thursday, April 2, were rescheduled.

Rob Beckett will now appear on Friday, November 6, while Welsh comedian Rhod will appear on Monday, November 9.

Romesh Ranganathan and Henning Wehn, originally scheduled for April 3 and 4 were also postponed, as was ’The Boys are Back’ concert featuring members of various 90s boy bands, who were to perform on Wednesday, March 25.

The Villa Marina said they were hoping to announce new dates for these shows soon.

One of the biggest blows is the cancellation of the TT races, which brought with it the expected knock-on of the cancellation of the organised entertainment.

It was announced on Tuesday evening that the Bushy’s TT Village had been cancelled, and with that the chance for many local groups to appear on the big stage.

A statement released on the Bushy’s Facebook page said: ’It’s with regret that Bushy’s TT Village will not take place this year in light of the announcement regarding the cancellation of TT 2020.

’We have closely considered all the options, including a smaller event for local residents.

’However, owing to the unprecedented nature of the current situation, we have decided not to go ahead.

’As always, we send a massive thank you to all our Bushy’s supporters and partners, on the island and further afar.

’We really appreciate your recent messages and shows of support.’

The message ended on a positive note, adding: ’With this extra time on our side, we’ll knuckle-on down to make Bushy’s TT Village 2021 one amazing event!’

Also cancelled is the programme of events planned for the TT Grandstand.

DJs Sister Bliss, from faithless, Reggie Yates and Laura Whitmore, along with the indie-rock group The Amazons were all due to perform during key points of the fortnight.

The Shennaghys Jiu festival of traditional music and Gaelic culture has been pushed back a year.

The three-day event was due to welcome performers from Scotland, Wales and Galicia.

Organiser Juan Garrett said that all the acts booked have agreed to take part in the 2021 festival instead.

’We feel for all those musicians who have performed at the festival over the years and have made performing their chosen trade and career,’ said Juan.

’With the closure of venues and social distancing, their incomes are undoubtedly going to suffer. We hope they can get back to normal as soon as possible and share their undeniable talents with the wider world once more.

’As for Shennaghys Jiu, we will take stock of where we are this year and work hard to make sure 2021 will be a successful and happy event. ’Our wish is that for all our friends and supporters and the wider community to stay as safe as possible and follow the guidelines that are being issued and be kind and respectable to one another in these difficult times.

’See you all in 2021.’

The Peel Centenary Centre has since said that it is to close its doors for the next few months, meaning that the proposed shows by Radio 6 DJ Mark Radcliffe and the Little Time Big Band and all been postponed.

The concert by the gypsy punk band Holy Moly and the Crackers, due to take place on April 26, will now take place on Saturday, November 14, with all tickets remaining valid for the new date, and Martin Simpson and Martin Taylor have been rescheduled for March 2021.

The prestigious tri-annual

Barbirolli International Oboe Festival, due to takle place at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin over seven days, from Saturday, March 28 to Saturday, April 4 has also been pushed back a year, now taking place in March 2021.

An evening concert of folklore story telling with Fiona Angwin, due to take place on Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18, has also been cancelled.

The organisers of the Yn Chruinnaght festival, the three-day Dark Horse festival and the Oie Voaldyn festival are set make a decision in the coming days.

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers