Earlier this week there was speculation over if the Rose of Tralee would be held this year. It is a huge event in the Irish entertainment calendar, and it was unsure if it would be cancelled or postponed to a later date.
In a statement released today they have announced their decision for the festival this year; “Taking into account Government guidelines, the safety of our communities and the ability to deliver a wonderful Festival; we have decided to postpone our 2020 Festival until August 2021.”
Due to current restrictions on public gatherings and social distancing measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers had said it would have been “unlikely we will be able to deliver the standard festival this year.”
The festival which runs for five days and takes place in Tralee has been running for 61 years, and has never been cancelled before.
“This is the first time in our 61 year history that the Festival has been postponed, but it is the right decision as we all play our part right now in keeping each other safe and well.”
They also shared a positive message for all those on the frontline, as well as many of us doing our bit by staying at home.
“In the meantime, we salute the leadership and the selfless efforts of frontline and support staff everywhere; and among them the efforts by many of our Roses, Rose Escorts and wider Rose Family, including our 2019 Rose of Tralee, Dr Sinéad Flanagan.”
“Our immediate priority is to support the health and civic authorities in doing whatever we can to keep each other safe and well, and ultimately to protect lives.”
It will be sorely missed this year, but we’re sure next year’s festival will be twice as good.
