Donnybrook Apple Festival cancelled as organisers remain “uncertain” through ongoing Omicron outbreak

One of the South West premier events for apple produce has fallen victim to another COVID cancellation only weeks away from its event date. Organisers of the Donnybrook Apple Festival have made the difficult decision to cancel the loved community event as concerns continue to loom around the ongoing Omicron outbreak. The Apple Festival held each year over the Easter long weekend continues to be a major event in the Donnybrook community calendar to promote the town, the district and the diverse array of produce grown in the region. The two-day event traditionally sees a huge range of stalls from Donnybrook’s local art studios, farm tours, wineries and art exhibitions, showcasing some of the best produce from the Donnybrook region. This year the festival was expected to host the Apple Festival Dinner Dance, featuring live bands from the Donnybrook Country Music Club. Announcing to the cancellation on their Facebook, the organisers of the event said they are “saddened” of the decision however could not see fit to continue with “uncertainty with COVID” and open borders increasing the outbreak numbers. Chair Belinda O’Brien said the organisers had “assessed the risks” to the volunteers and committee members of the festival and recognised they did not “have the capacity” to manage the risks associated. It is the second time the festival has been forced to cancel, with the 2020 event called off as the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the South West. The Donnybrook Apple Festival is expected to go ahead in 2023.