Following the announcement last week that the Ballina Salmon Festival will not be going ahead this year, a new festival has sprung up in its place, which will be organised by Ballina Chamber of Commerce.
The Ballina Salmon Festival issued a statement last week saying: "After much deliberation, it is with a heavy heart that the directors of the Ballina Salmon Festival announce that the festival for 2019 has been postponed. This decision has not been taken lightly.
"The festival has experienced a difficult period since the end of the 2018 festival. This, coupled with increased insurance and general festival costs, has resulted in the decision that the 2019 festival will not go ahead.
"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. 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.
"Ballina Salmon Festival wish to thank all of our directors, office staff, workshop staff, Moy Valley Resources, Mayo County Council, and Ballina Municipal District, along with sponsors, partner organisations, and volunteers who have supported the effort for 2019 and would ask the public to come and volunteer in greater numbers ahead of 2020 planning.
Ballina Chamber of Commerce yesterday announced that it is organising a street festival running from Wednesday, July 10, to Sunday, July 14.
The old stalwarts of Heritage Day, Picnic in the Park, Beat on the Street, and Fireworks Extravaganza are among the treats in store over the five days.
The chamber is currently finalising the programme of events, and hopes to announce the full schedule very soon. Ballina Chamber of Commerce wishes to acknowledge the support of the Ballina Salmon Festival in this endeavour and also the support of Chamber members, the business community of Ballina.
Anybody wishing to show their support, either financially or by volunteering their time, can contact Ballina Tourist Office at (096 ) 72800 or [email protected].
