The 2021 Puck Fair has fallen victim to the Covid-19 pandemic for the second consecutive year.
Organisers of the Kerry-based event issued a brief statement across social media last night (Thursday, June 24th, 2021).
“The Puck Fair organising committee regret to advise that in the interest of public safety. Puck Fair 2021 is cancelled. But we will be back in 2022.”
Ireland’s oldest traditional fair, “the king of all festivals,” takes place on August 10th, 11th, and 12th annually and celebrated Puck Fair 400+ in 2013.
Last year, organisers also cancelled the festival in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, a spokesperson said:
“We have been monitoring the situation since the onset of the virus, and as the health, wellbeing, and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and residents is paramount, and to comply with government legislation and guidelines, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all Puck Fair events this year.”
“We would like to thank the public in advance, for their ongoing support and cooperation in complying with government legislation and the World Health Organisation’s Health and safety guidelines.”
Lisdoonvarna Matchmatching Festival cancelled
Meanwhile, organisers of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival have cancelled the event for the second consecutive year due to Covid-19.
The legendary match-making event, which is deemed to be Europe’s biggest singles festival, attracts thousands of people from 18 to 80 every September.
Organisers believe the cancellation of the festival for the second year in a row comes at the cost of approximately €2 million to the local economy.
In a statement on Monday, June 21st, festival organiser, Marcus White, said:
“As the Government have advised that there should be no large-scale indoor events until the whole population has been vaccinated, this year’s Lisdoonvarna Festival has regrettably been cancelled.”
“Many people, especially younger ones, will not be fully vaccinated before the end of September.”
“All our events are staged inside, including the country music marquee, which can accommodate up to 2,000 people, which is not permissible under current guidelines.”
He stated that organisers would not unable to manage the “very large” crowds that normally throng the small town for a month.
