Mayo Day is a day dedicated to the celebration of the arts and culture, vibrant communities, and unquenchable spirit of Mayo and its people.
Now in its fourth year, Mayo Day has garnered international success and recognition as a highly anticipated annual celebration. Previous Mayo Days saw activities take place locally, nationally and internationally and has captured people’s attention both within the county and around the world.
This year the team behind Mayo Day at Mayo County Council are inviting you to get involved and put your own stamp on Mayo Day by taking on the Mayo spirit. How you participate is up to you, you could organise an event, where your group, committee, society, school, business, family or friends come together to do what you love to do in the name of Mayo.
Mayo Day activities can take place not just on Mayo Day alone, but over the long weekend from Thursday, May 3, to Monday, May 7.
Those participating via the Public Participation Network can avail of small bursaries that are available for participants who create a unique take on taking on the Mayo spirit. It doesn’t matter how large or small scale the end result, as long as it represents your love of Mayo. Contact [email protected] if you would like to find out more.
This year also sees the arrival of an incredible new flagship festival event Made of Mayo, taking place in the beautifully situated Ballinrobe Racecourse, which will be transformed into a hive of Mayo Day celebration and artistic wonderment with something for all the family and admission is free.
The multifaceted event will include a spellbinding art exhibition featuring artworks from the best of Mayo artists, and artworks by artists inspired by their time in county Mayo. Coordinated the Mayo County Council Arts Office, and selected by Director of the iconic RHA, Patrick T. Murphy this inaugural exhibition will reveal the true inspiration of County Mayo as seen through the eyes of the most talented artists.
Made of Mayo will have so much more to be explored too including Made of Mayo Literary Corner hosted by the county libraries, a showcase of the finest Mayo food and craft companies displaying the recognised and valued work of the best in the county. Here you can purchase the food and craft produce on display and support your local craftspeople as part of the spirit of Mayo Day. Engaging and fun made of Mayo workshops will provide activities for all the family .
After much enjoyment of the arts, crafts and workshops you may want a bite to eat and enjoy some music in the Made of Mayo Music and Food Village, where entertainment and the best of Mayo food will await.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Cllr Richard Finn outlined the plans saying: “The unique celebration that is Mayo Day has really grown year on year and the enthusiasm in which Mayo people have seized the opportunity to recognise their county shows that Mayo is definitely leading the way in county pride. The Made of Mayo Festival at Ballinrobe Race course has the potential be one of the best Mayo Day events to date and provides a fantastic opportunity to see the very best of Mayo Art, design, craft, food, music and much more in a premium location”
Enquires in relation to your company showcasing at Made of Mayo can be directed to the Communications Department at Mayo County Council [email protected].
There is so much more to be announced in the coming weeks in relation to what to expect at this event. Keep an eye on www.mayo.ie or find them on Facebook or Twitter.
