The Covid-19 virus has forced the cancellation of SeaFest, the national maritime festival which was due to take place in Cork in May.
In a statement, the Marine Institute said that a decision was taken to postpone the event until 2021 “in light of the rapidly evolving situation and public health measures due to the coronavirus”
The festival, which was returning to Cork after several years in Galway, was due to take place from May 15th to 17th.
It has drawn record crowds since its initiation, earning a title of the “national ploughing championships of the sea“
European Maritime Day Deferred
The Marine Institute said that European Maritime Day, which was also scheduled to take place in Cork to coincide with “SeaFest”, has also been deferred and new dates are being considered for it.
“In taking this decision our priority was to ensure the health and wellbeing of both exhibitors and visitors at the event,” the Marine Institute said in a statement on Monday afternoon.
"We looked forward to welcoming everyone to SeaFest in 2021," it said.