And as the dust settles and the sunshine disappears after a weeklong celebration in Ballina, the organizers of the oldest community festival along the wild Atlantic way, the Ballina Salmon Festival committee sends out a very clear message to all that came out to support and enjoy the programme of the festival, as Paul Regan joint Chairperson of Ballina Salmon Festival says:
“Thank You!
Thank you to every person that came out, signed up, purchased a ticket, participated, and just enjoyed the week.
The show went on, and the audience came out, and for that we are very grateful. It was a gamble, and it paid off. We were blessed with fine weather, and a fantastic programme of events. The committee were adamant the festival programme showcases the immense talent we have in Ballina, and emphasis the towns greatest assets. And on the Saturday night both ideas came together to create ‘Broadway with a Bang’ along the banks of the world-famous River Moy. What a night it was, an event that will go down in the annals of the history of Ballina.”
Fellow joint Chairperson and Head of Festival Operations, Martin Carr echoed Paul’s sentiments saying;
“The festival would not be possible without the huge support from the town’s community groups, the business community and those volunteers who gave selflessly of their time to steward at the events. Thank You, it would not have happened otherwise.”
Martin also added
“we also want to acknowledge the support both financially and in kind, given by Ballina Municipal District Council. The collaborative support of all six councilors and council staff, including Declan Turnbull, Head of the Municipal and Seam McNulty and council staff made the seven day event dream, possible !”
Tracey Glacken President of Ballina Chamber said: “The festival welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually to Ballina and the region. As a rural town, our local economy has been boosted by €2 million euro as a result of this influx. Given that many businesses are still in recovery mode from Covid restrictions this was a welcome boost for our hospitality and retail businesses”.
Mags Downey Martin, CEO Ballina Chamber and Ballina 2023 Director added “As the festival committee confirms dates for 2023, the town has much to prepare for as it hosts the 300th Anniversary celebrations of the formal establishment of Ballina, which offers the town a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to develop and participate in an exciting, inclusive year-long programme of events that will create a solid and meaningful legacy for future generations. Ballina Salmon Festival aims to be at the heart of the celebrations.’
There is already talk of Ballina Salmon Festival in 2023, with dates now confirmed 9th – 15th July, and with a big year of celebration already being planned, the festival will be one of six signature events scheduled for the programme of yearlong events during Ballina 2023.
It is the aim of Ballina Salmon Festival to acknowledge and thank the businesses who have financially supported it this year and a full list of sponsors will be released shortly.
