The Bermuda Shakespeare Schools Festival has been cancelled this year as a result of the recent storms.

A statement from organisers released this afternoon said: “We spoke with the teachers at each of the schools after Hurricane Gonzalo, giving them the option to continue with the festival, or have the students perform abridged versions of their plays, but it was decided that the students had missed too many practice times due to both Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gonzalo, and it would be best to cancel the festival.

“We certainly appreciate all the hard work the students and their instructors have put into preparing for the festival, and are truly saddened by this decision. Those who have purchased tickets will receive a refund, please be patient as we arrange for this refund.

“If there are any further questions or queries, we invite you to e-mail us at bermudashakespeare@gmail.com.”