A big blow for Underbelly

Wind delays opening of big top venue

Underbelly's new flagship circus venue will not be open in time for the start of the Fringe.

The company says strong winds have prevented them from erecting a big top on the Edinburgh Meadows this week – pushing back the panned opening to next Monday.

Ticket holders for shows in the 750-seat Lafayette tent this weekend – including Limbo, pictured – are being contacted, with refunds for those who cannot reschedule their visit for a later date.

The smaller venue on the site, the 250-seat Beauty is opening as planned.

In a statement Underbelly directors Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: 'Due to issues with strong wind gusts in Edinburgh today and with further winds forecast over the next couple of days, we have been prevented from putting the cover on Lafayette, the larger tent structure, on schedule.

'As a result we have made the decision to delay the opening of the shows in Lafayette until Monday next week. The smaller tent, Beauty, will open as planned on Friday.

'We apologise for any inconvenience and customers requesting a refund or with any other queries about their ticket should contact the point of sale. All other Underbelly venues will open as planned on Wednesday and Thursday.

The venues are named after illusionist The Great Lafayette and his dog Beauty, who both died in Edinburgh in 1911.