The Ould Lammas Fair which has been held without interruption for nearly four centuries, even during the war, has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fair is traditionally held every year on the last Monday and Tuesday of August and it draws thousands of people to Ballycastle. The event, which marks the end of summer and the start of the harvest season includes amusements, a fun fair and street entertainment along with more than 400 market stalls selling anything from handmade art, crafts and produce to the favourites of yellowman, honeycomb and dulse.
Independent Councillor William McCandless said the council area depends on and welcomes tourists and visitors who come not just because of the natural beauty but also to enjoy the many events which the area is famed for.
“With the cancellation of events such as North West 200, Supercup NI and the latest casualty the Ould Lammas Fair, we appreciate the severe blow this is to our local tourist economy and the severe disappointment to visitors and local residents.
“However, we all appreciate in these abnormal times that it is impossible to let events like this proceed no matter how disappointing it is and we look forward to bigger and better events in 2021,” he said.