Last year’s Bonfire Night was a washout thanks to heavy rain.

Now Cork City Council has announced that this year’s traditional celebrations will also be cancelled due to the continuing risk of Covid-19.

Ahead of the annual party night on Thursday, June 23rd, which has its roots in an old pagan Celtic celebration honouring the goddess Aine, the Council, Cork City Fire Brigade and An Garda Síochana are asking the people of Cork to be responsible and check out a special secret performance by the Corcadorca Theatre Company online instead.

Householders have been asked to avoid giving flammable material and unwanted wood to youngsters who are building bonfires in their neighbourhoods.

So #BonfireNight is cancelled. Will you miss the annual smoky Cork tribute to the goddess Áine?

— Yay Cork (@yaycork) June 19, 2020

“Our frontline workers have made an appeal via video to the people of Cork, asking us to be responsible this Bonfire Night; to not give out rubbish and not light bonfires.” said a Council spokesperson.

“Instead, they are asking you to stay at home and enjoy entertainment brought to you by Cork City Council.”

“I am really looking forward to connecting with communities virtually this year.” said Sandra O’Meara from Cork City Council’s Community Culture and Placemaking Directorate

“Although I will miss the buzz of our summer fun nights, I am looking forward to the exciting line-up,”