It's the latest event to fall victim to the Coronavirus.
The RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival, is the latest event to fall victim to the Coronavirus.
The organisers of the event,which is held in Athlone from the April 30 to May 9, have made the decision to cancel the 2020 festival.
Regina Bushell, Festival Director, said: "This decision to defer is based on latest advice from Government and the Health Service Executive. We are sorry that the Covid-19 Virus has brought us to this decision but, in the national interest and to play our part, we are taking this unavoidable action.
We understand the disappointment of the drama groups and circuit festivals all over the country.
Please take care of yourselves and comply with HSE guidelines during these unprecedented times. Remember "Ar scáth a chéile a mhairimid" - "we live in the shadow and the shelter of one another."
One of Europe's largest amateur theatre festivals, the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival is a hotly contested battle between drama groups from all over Ireland, and features nine groups annually, all of whom have qualified from a series of 35 regional heats. Hundreds of actors, their supporters and regular theatre lovers are normally in Athlone town for the duration of the event, which features a range of fringe elements, including street theatre, art exhibitions, workshops and events for young people.
RTÉ Head of Communications & Corporate Engagement, Joseph Hoban, said: "Since its inception in 1952, the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival has grown and developed into a flagship event for Athlone. The festival has consistently delivered the highest standard in amateur drama, and the 2020 programme of plays was due, once again, to offer a mix of exciting new works and returning favourites. We share in the disappointment of the committee, the drama groups and all involved in Athlone."
Westmeath Students Aim For Gold At National Entrepreneur Finals
14 Counties See No New Bus Shelter Installations In 2025
Construction Begins On GAA Club Grounds In Laois
Close To 900 Children In Midlands On Primary Care Psychology Waiting Lists
Health Minister And HSE Issue Formal Public Apology To Midlands Family
EU Approves New Plan To Boost Home Building And Curb Short-Term Lets
Safer Roads Conference To Look At Road Design, Engineering And Enforcement
Status Yellow Wind Warning Issued For Tomorrow
Midlands School Runner-Up At Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition
Midlands Town To Get New Fire Station
First Time Buyers In Offaly Town Could Wait Over 70 Years For Home
Survey Shows One In Three Women Downplay Female Health Issues At Work
Push For Government To Consider Other Climate Goal Options
ST. Patrick's Day Celebrations Kick Off Around The World
Laois Folk Singer To Perform In Times Square For St Patrick’s Day
Westmeath Councillors Seek Review Of School Bus Rules
Hauliers Suspend Protest As Government Agrees To Talks
Enoch Burke Challenges Prison Transfer As Unlawful In High Court
National Famine Way Roadshow Arrives In Westmeath Today
Gardai Investigating Stolen Cars In Westmeath