THERE was huge disappointment on the Northside last week following the announcement that an Irish language music festival was postponed.
Ravelóid was due to take place at Ardgillan Castle, situated between Balbriggan and Skerries, on June 10 and 11.
Thousands of people were expected to attend the festival, which was launched amid much fanfare in December 2015.
A spokesman for the festival’s promoters said it was with “great reluctance” that the decision was taken to postpone the event. He said the festival has been postponed due to a number of production factors and would not be taking place in 2016.
“Ravelóid fully apologises for any disappointment caused and will ensure that everyone who purchased tickets will receive full refunds in the coming week,” the spokesman said.
“Ravelóid would also like to thank all those individuals and organisations who provided help, advice and assistance over the last 12 months, especially Ireland 2016, RTÉ 2fm, Roinn na Gaeltachta and Fingal County Council.
“The goodwill shown to Ravelóid among the general public, especially over the last few weeks, both nationally and internationally, has proven that there is a strong demand for a contemporary Irish language music festival.
“The board of directors of Ravelóid will be working in the coming months on an alternative date.”
Fingal County Council said it was “disappointed” with the news.
“We welcome the announcement that the promoters will ensure that everyone who purchased tickets will receive full refunds in the coming week,” a council spokeswoman said.
“Our events unit worked with the organisers since last November and provided operational assistance, events planning advice and instruction on health and safety issues.
“The council had also agreed to provide direct financial support to help secure the event but the organisers decided to proceed with the decision to postpone.
“The promoters of Ravelóid have indicated that they will be looking into staging the event next year and we will be available to assist with this.”
The spokeswoman added: “Fingal County Council will continue to roll out our expansive programme of events for the remainder of the year.”
Balbriggan-based councillor Tony Murphy (Ind) said it was unfortunate that the festival has been postponed.
“Every effort had been made by Fingal County Council to support and facilitate this event,” Cllr Murphy told Northside People.
“Ravelóid fully apologises for any disappointment caused and will ensure that everyone who purchased tickets will receive refunds in the coming weeks.
“I had been advocating for a concert to be held at Ardgillan Demesne since my election to Fingal County Council in 2014. I’m totally disappointed to hear this news so close to the concert date.
“In June 2005 Meat Loaf and REM played in Ardgillan. The anticipation of another concert since then had created great excitement locally, not to mention the expected economic spin off for local business in Balbriggan and Skerries.”
Cllr Murphy vowed to work hard to remedy the situation and said he would instigate talks immediately to find a replacement for the festival, later this year.
“With the expectation of what may have been a fantastic weekend now removed from Fingal’s events calendar, the local community deserves a commitment to deliver an alternative concert,” he added.
