Ballina Salmon Festival postponed this year

The directors of Ballina Salmon Festival have announced the postponement of this year's festival.

In a statement on their Facebook page, they said the festival has experienced a difficult period since the end of the 2018 event and this, coupled with increased insurance and general festival costs, resulted in the decision that the 2019 festival will not go ahead.

The decision had 'not been taken lightly', the statement continued. “The Board of Directors understand and share the disappointment that this news brings to north Mayo and the annual visitors to our town for the Ballina Salmon Festival,” it went on.

“We do, however, recognise that planning for Festival 2020 will be more effective given the added time now and we feel confident that a new, invigorated and fresh festival can be delivered next year.”

Directors, office staff, workshop staff, Moy Valley Resources, Mayo County Council and Ballina Municipal District, sponsors, partner organisations and volunteers who have supported the effort for 2019 were all thanked, while an invitation was issued to the general public to volunteer in greater numbers ahead of planning 2020 festival. If you think you can help, contact the festival office on info@ballinasalmonfestival.ie.