Almost £60k lost due to cancellation of Ballyclare May Fair 2020

Traders and businesses are set to lose over £50,000.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has cancelled the annual event due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In response to a Newtownabbey Times query on the financial implications of the decision, a spokesperson for the local authority said: “The average direct income generated by the May Fair to council is £5,000. The broader economic benefit generated by the May Fair (based on 3,000 day visitors with an average spend of £18) is £54,000 generated to the benefit of local businesses, traders and exhibitors.

“The average annual budget for the May Fair is in the region of £25,000 depending on the agreed programme of activity. We suspended the development of the programme in anticipation of disruption to social gatherings as a consequence of Covid-19 but £25,000 was the indicative budget.

“Preparations to organise the May Fair were underway, but bookings were provisional with no orders being formally placed and hence there has been no financial loss to council.”

Asked whether the event could be staged next year if Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed, the spokesperson added: “Our ability to deliver the May Fair next year will depend on a number of factors including the guidance surrounding large public events, and the availability of budget.

“If budget is available, the council will follow any relevant guidance and is working regionally with Tourism NI to ensure future events are managed consistently and follow best practice. At this early stage we are unable to confirm plans for The May Fair in 2021.”

The 2020 festival had been due to take place from Tuesday, May 19 to Saturday, May 23. Popular elements from previous years were to continue, including the soap box derby, family fun days in the town’s War Memorial Park, May Fair parade, horse showcase, music and entertainment combined with traditional craft demonstrations/workshops and a fireworks finale.

The flagship event had been cancelled previously due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001 and during the Troubles in the 1970s, before returning as a civic week in 1982.

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