Back bigger than ever
Taking place for three extra days this year, from July 9 to 16, the festival will bring the town to life with street theatre, live music, food, heritage, sport and exhibitions.
Planning is well under way, with a packed programme of family-friendly events confirmed for the county's largest community festival, which is now in its 53rd year.
The revitalised 2017 festival programme includes some new and exciting additions, with a renewed focus on the arts. Old favourites like National Heritage Day, International Evening, the busking competition, Mardi Gras and fireworks, and the Teddy Bears' Picnic remain in place, and this year visitors can also enjoy new events like A Night at the Proms, a joint performance of Ballina’s choirs featuring over 230 performers, a celebration of traditional Irish music, and The Core Stage, featuring daily lunchtime performances from talented young musicians from all around Mayo. Country star Johnny Brady will also make an appearance at the country and western night.
Ballina Salmon Festival has always put a strong focus on catering for younger attendees and this year’s comprehensive children’s programme includes imaginative events such as art through recycling workshops, river sports, a circus workshop and music for little ones, as well as a variety of sporting events.
The festival generates millions in revenue for the town, attracting over 200,000 annually. It is supported by the workers of the Moy Valley Resources community employment scheme, who operate in a variety of roles from promotion to prop-building and administration to event management. It is also generously supported by local businesses throughout Ballina and beyond.
The chairperson of Ballina Salmon Festival, Billy Lewis, said: “Ballina Salmon Festival is a true celebration of community spirit, combining talent, endeavour and a pride of place in our own area. It is an opportunity for the community of Ballina to display its talent and the sense of self-belief and self-worth that binds us together.”
Festival PRO Anne-Marie Flynn added: “Ballina Salmon Festival remains vital to our local economy and remains a significant attraction for tourists and diaspora in the west of Ireland. The level of volunteerism involved in this festival is almost unique, which makes it special. It’s also fun to be involved in and it's heartening to see new individuals and businesses getting involved with the festival and continuing the tradition of community involvement.”
The festival committee is still seeking volunteers to help out during festival week, with roles from stewarding to social media management available. Anyone interested in helping or discussing sponsorship opportunities can contact the Ballina Salmon Festival office on (096) 79814.
Ballina Salmon Festival will be officially launched in Ballina Arts Centre on June 22 at 8 p.m., and all are welcome to attend. A full programme of events is available on the brand new Ballina Salmon Festival website - www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie.