All-Ireland Drama Festival cancelled for 2020

The All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone has been cancelled for this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The festival, which brings huge numbers to the town from all over the country, was due to take place on Thursday, April 30 to Friday, May 8 in the Dean Crowe Theatre.

Festival Director Regina Bushell said it was “an extremely difficult decision to make, but it's the right decision” in light of the unprecedented situation facing the country.

She acknowledged the difficulties for groups who have been preparing for months as they bid to get to the All-Ireland on the drama festival, and that qualifying festival circuit was only halfway through at this stage.

Asked if there was any way of putting on the festival at a later date, she said: “At this point in time it is impossible”.

She acknowledged that economically and socially the festival was a “big loss all around” to Athlone for 2020.