CARRICKMACROSS STREET FESTIVAL CANCELLED

By Veronica Corr

Many people from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan and the region in general will be disappointed to learn that Carrickmacross Street Festival, (which ironically came about as the result of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade being cancelled in 2001 during the Foot and Mouth outbreak), will not take place because of ongoing efforts to contain the COVID-19. In a statement this week, Chairperson David Maggs wrote that the festival committee were sincerely disappointed to have to announce their decision to cancel the June Bank Holiday event for 2020.

The reasons cited for the move were as follows: “Due to the measures introduced to stop/slow the spread of COVID-19 and the fact that, even after the lockdown concludes, we will all be expected to continue to distance ourselves for a significant period of time, it is impossible for us to hold a festival that encourages thousands of people to come to Carrickmacross.

“Each year we invite people from the area and from further afield to gather and enjoy the great entertainment, music and craic that is synonymous with the Carrick Festival and, over the years, it has garnered a great reputation. All the music and entertainment provided by the festival is completely free of charge and the only way that is possible is by receiving financial support from the businesses in south Monaghan and from Monaghan County Council. With their continued support we commit to returning next year with a bigger and better festival.”

The statement concluded by urging people to support local shops and businesses within the town, as this pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge to them all. The chairman also alluded to Carrickmacross Vouchers, which were accepted throughout the hospitality sector too.

Mr. Maggs was mindful that people would need haircuts and clothes when they come out of this lockdown, again encouraging people to keep their business local.
With many us having time to get our houses sorted out now, he reminded people that hardware stores would be delighted to see them when the lockdown ends. Many cars will probably be due a service too, which could also be done locally, he observed, before signing off expressing the hope that things would be back to normal soon.
 
Abuse Your Illusion, the highly-accomplished Guns N’ Roses tribute band were amongst the well-known acts booked for the 2020 festival. Here’s to 2021!