Preparations for the 59th @Ballina Salmon Festival are well underway in Ballina for this summer, as the official festival programme launch was celebrated Friday 26th May in the beautiful surroundings of the The Connacht Distillery
This years Festival will take place from the 8th to15th July with a multitude of events taking place on and around the magnificent River Moy.
The longest running community festival along the wild Atlantic way, inspired by Ballina’s jewel in its crown, the River Moy, as Ballina is officially dubbed ‘Salmon Capital of Ireland’, returns for its 59th year, this year celebrating the 300th Anniversary of Ballina during 2023!
The ethos has remained the same, it continues to celebrate all that is great about the community of Ballina and Co Mayo; family fun, music, arts, culture and heritage, sports and the magnificent River Moy, making Ballina Salmon Festival a very special seven days to remember.
Jam packed Childrens Programme
The week includes a seven-day action packed children’s programme kickstarting with the Teddy Bears picnic on Sunday 9th July, this year’s children’s event committee has curated an incredible programme of over 50 events, designed to give children of all ages and interests something to enjoy during festival week.
Events such as juvenile fishing on the river Moy, children’s yoga to martial arts, try a sport, Stand Up Paddle boarding sessions and dance theatre, this is the most diverse children’s programme to date.
One of the signature events of the week includes the National Heritage Day on July 12th, featuring a feast for your senses on the sights, sounds and smells of a market day 100 years ago.
‘Ballina Beat on the Street’ returns to the Ballina town centre Pearse St, setting the town centre alive with a live DJ set, this year in conjunction with iRadio Ireland, July 13th featuring iRadio DJ’s Dave Duke, Conor Woods and Beat on the Street Winner.
Ballina Salmon festival are delighted to announce and as a result of Ballina 2023 celebrations, working alongside the internationally acclaimed Macnas
Ballina 2023 & Ballina Salmon Festival present Macnas’ River Song.
A meandering waltz through the streets of Ballina that has its heart in the ebb and flow of the River Moy.
Throughout 2023, the company will work with local community members to develop and deliver one of its renowned parades on the streets of Ballina on July 15 at the closing of the 2023 Ballina Salmon Festival.
Macnas’ work is unique for the hybrid of professional artists and volunteers collaborating on an event and throughout the year, the company will work with community participants to develop and deliver one of its renowned parades on the streets of Ballina. This event is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon
Followed by the traditional epic fireworks display along the banks of the River Moy and iconic St Muredachs Cathedral.
Be sure to keep an eye on the Ballina Salmon Festival Website for a full programme of events and latest information.
