Ballinasloe Fair cancelled for 2020

PHOTO: A scene from a previous Ballinasloe Fair and Festival.

Ballinasloe Fair and Festival has been cancelled for 2020 due to the “continuing impact and uncertainty surrounding Covid-19.”

The annual event, said to be the oldest horse fair in Europe, draws over 80,000 visitors to the East Galway town for the nine-day duration in early October providing a multi-million euro boost to the local economy.

The organising committee announced the decision to call off this year's fair and festival with regret on Friday last in a statement published on their Facebook page and website.

“The committee made the decision in the interests of public health and safety and has agreed to meet in December 2020 to prepare for the return of the Ballinasloe Fair and Festival in 2021 and make advanced plans to celebrate the 300th anniversary in 2022.”

The committee thanked the local community, sponsors, and all associations involved for their ongoing commitment and support.

“We look forward to welcoming all participants and visitors to Ballinasloe Fair and Festival in 2021,” the statement ends.