2020 International Rose of Tralee festival postponed to 2021
International Rose of Tralee Festival official statement:
“The impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt worldwide and our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by the very sad losses this pandemic is causing.
"These are unprecedented times for all and the health and safety our communities remains the utmost concern.
Over the past few weeks, our team have been considering how best we could safely deliver some, or all, of our 2020 Festival events.
Taking into account Government guidelines, the safety of our communities and the ability to deliver a wonderful Festival; we have decided to postpone our 2020 Festival until August 2021.
This is the first time in our 61 year history that the Festival has been postponed, but it is the right decision as we all play our part right now in keeping each other safe and well.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival operates on a yearlong basis, in Irish communities worldwide; and we will continue to harness the goodwill of our extended Rose Family in supporting communities and charitable efforts over the next 12 months.
Similarly, we will each have a role to play in restoring our communities and economies following the pandemic. We look forward to coming together in celebration, showcasing our wonderful communities; and welcoming you all to Tralee in August 2021.
In the meantime, we salute the leadership and the selfless efforts of frontline and support staff everywhere; and among them the efforts by many of our Roses, Rose Escorts and wider Rose Family, including our 2019 Rose of Tralee, Dr Sinéad Flanagan.
Our immediate priority is to support the health and civic authorities in doing whatever we can to keep each other safe and well, and ultimately to protect lives.
#staystafe #stayhome”
A spokesperson for the Westmeath Rose Centre said: "This means the Westmeath Rose selection will now not take place until 2021, we hope spring, but we just need to work on that with our hotel sponsor when they re-open.
"Applications will be valid for 2021 and we look forward to a spectacular festival in 2021 - young ladies who wish to apply to be the next Westmeath Rose can still do so on the www.roseoftralee.ie."