October 1st - October 17th 2021
Presented by Donegal County Council Culture Division
WELCOME
Level Three Covid-19 Restrictions & Live Performances

With Donegal’s move to Level Three of the Plan for Living with Covid 19 now confirmed until October 16 next, this has implications for all of the planned programme of Donegal Bay live music and theatre performances at the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon and the Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey.
Due to the additional restrictions on indoor gatherings that will follow, it will not now be possible for these venues to host any of the Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival live performances as advertised, as the period of Level Three Restrictions coincides wih the festival dates. As such, the Festival, the venues and the artists impacted are working together to devise optimal solutions for each impacted event. Our collective aim will be to save as much of the festival programme as possible by rearranging performance dates to late October and to November. This website will be regularly updated to inform the public of details of rearranged performances, or other possible solutions such as online broadcasts.
Members of the public who have already purchased tickets for festival events which cannot now take place on their original dates may opt for a full refund immediately, or they may wish to rebook for their particular event, as rescheduling is organised over the coming days. Please check with the festival website or contact the venue where the booking was made, for further updates.
Meanwhile, the Festival’s online programme commences this evening ( Friday, September 25) with the first episode of Dark Daughter’s four part online drama, Drumshee Days, which you can enjoy from 7.00pm on the festival Youtube channel, or on this website.
The 21st Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival
A Festival of Music, Theatre, Comedy & Literary Events
Welcome to the 21st. annual Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival and a tentative return to live theatre, music and literary performances, for the first time in over eighteen months. While last year’s Festival was a totally online affair, this year’s programme of new and revived theatre works, music performances and literary events, may be enjoyed live, in person and safely, in venues in Ballyshannon, Donegal Town and Ballybofey, from Friday, October 1st to Sunday, October 17th.
The Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival is presented annually by Donegal County Council Culture Division. It is funded by Donegal County Council in partnership with The Arts Council/An Comhairle Ealaíon.
Staying Safe – Festival Covid 19 Protocols
In accordance with current Covid 19 protocols around indoor events, Advance Booking is essential for all live Festival events and audience members will also be required to produce evidence that they have been double vaccinated against Covid 19, when they attend a Festival venue. Please also observe our venues’ continuing Covid 19 protocols around social distancing, mask wearing (at all times) and mingling with other groups (to be avoided).
Thank You for your co-operation in these matters. Stay Safe and Enjoy the Festival.