Massively popular Clonmany Festival cancelled with ‘great sadness’ due to COVID-19 pandemic

The annual festival has been going for over half a century and is the longest-running event of its kind anywhere in Ireland. It attracts thousands upon thousands of people from across the north west and beyond into the Inishowen town in County Donegal every year.

It had been due to take place in August.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page, the Committee stated: “It is with great sadness The Committee of The Clonmany Festival inform you of the cancellation of our planned 53rd Festival.

“This is a decision that would have been unthinkable only a few months ago, we understand the social and economic impact this decision will have on not just Clonmany but Inishowen and further.”

The Committee continued: “It is with pride each year we welcome the many thousands of visitors to our beautiful village to enjoy the family entertainment, music and dance, this is a week that we carefully plan and all look forward to very much.

“However, this year we must think about the health and wellbeing of each and everyone, from our volunteers, our bands, you our visitor and all those involved in this great week of entertainment. We all have a responsibility to watch out for one another in these difficult and challenging times.

“We also would like to take time to think about and thank all of those individuals who work in to many jobs to mention every day to ensure our lives continue as close to normal as possible.

“We look very much forward to welcoming you back to The Clonmany Festival in 2021.

“Clonmany Festival happens once a year, however the beauty of our area and the friendliness of our local community is on offer each and every week, we invite you to visit us when it is safe to do so.

“Stay Safe.”