Regatta is still set to go ahead later this year despite Covid-19

THIS year’s Wicklow Regatta will be going ahead but a number of events usually associated with the festival will have to be curtailed.

Wicklow Regatta Festival has been running since 1878 and is believed to be the oldest festival in Ireland.

However, preparations for this year’s event have been hampered by the necessary Covid-19 restrictions. The festival has already lost a number of fundraising events and it remains to be seen what financial impact the pandemic will have on the sponsors that are relied upon to fund the festival.

Wicklow Regatta Chairman, John Goodman, said: ‘It is still an evolving situation. We have been talking to insurance companies but we still don’t really know what Government guidelines will be in place come the August bankholiday, when we plan to host the Regatta. For instance, will you still need 2m social distancing at mass gatherings? It’s very awkward to organise things so we are holding off on any major announcements until things are a little clearer. These are exceptional circumstances and public safety is our main focus.’

The Regatta Committee also can’t publish the annual programme until the line-up of events which can go ahead are confirmed. Some popular attractions, such as golly fishing and ‘Young at Heart’, which is normally held for retired members of the community, won’t take place.

‘Some events just won’t be able to happen,’ confirmed John. ‘The Singing Pubs can’t take place because most of the pubs are still closed. I don’t think we will be able to hold the golly fishing because of social distancing regulations. Young at Heart won’t go ahead because they would be considered a vulnerable group. It will be a cut-back festival compared to previous years, but we have a few online things planned, including some ideas for the kids. I still looks like the fireworks will take place. We would ask the public to be responsible enough not to gather in large groups as there are enough viewing points for everyone. The Round Ireland takes place in August as well so we are looking to dovetail some events into that.’

The Regatta Committee have further meetings planned so they can outline and finalise events for this year’s festival.