It may be an annual favourite in the borough calendar but timing, as they say, is everything.
For as ABC Council this week confirmed the date for the popular Banbridge Buskfest, the choice hit a bum note with some.
It is due to take place on Saturday, June 20.
Announcing that registration was now officially opened, the council – in its PR materials – promised that Banbridge streets would once again be filled with music and excitement.
But one local long-standing retailer fears that while music and excitement may fill the streets, shoppers on the other hand will not.
Robin Fields, at Newry Street, has accused the council, when it comes to the timing of Buskfest, of being badly out of tune with small independent retailers in Banbridge.
Given that the date chosen is the day before Father’s Day, the popular menswear store has given the council a dressing down, and is already anticipating that what should be one of its busiest days will be anything but.
“This much‑loved annual celebration of performance talent will transform the town centre into a vibrant, open‑air stage,” ABC Council boasts, with performers of all ages, across all music genres, warmly invited to take part.
Solo singers, bands and everything in between will descend on the town for BuskFest.
Plugging what is a hugely popular occasion, council says that, during BuskFest, visitors can explore Banbridge town as it comes alive with live music, family‑friendly entertainment and a vibrant artisan market — all part of what is a free event.
“From emerging young performers to seasoned artists, BuskFest offers something for everyone, making it the perfect day out for families, friends and music lovers,” according to the PR issued to promote it and urge participants to sign up.
The celebrations continue that evening with a special concert and prize‑giving ceremony, where standout performers will be recognised and celebrated.
Buskfest is, according to Robin Fields, “great for the town in general”.
But the town centre store has said it is “very disappointed” that the occasion has once again been scheduled for the day before Father’s Day, which it describes as “one of our busiest days of the year”.
The retailer, which also specialises in school uniforms, has accused the council, which organises the event, of not listening after similar concerns were raised last year.
Hitting out on social media after the date was confirmed, Robin Fields said: “Whilst town visitor numbers are high, actual shopping interest is particularly low on this day.
“I’m sure other menswear retailers will agree with me that this specific date is significantly damaging to our revenue.
“Last year when this happened, our turnover on that day was down by over 50% compared to the consistent previous Father’s Day weekend figures.”
The retailer said they had “voiced our concerns” and had “hoped the organisers would avoid” June 20, 2026 and “hold it the weekend before or the weekend after”.
But decrying the decision and calling the council out on its choice, they added: “Yet again the voice of small retailers remains unheard. Maybe we aren’t a big enough name?
“Very disappointed in our local council who are supposed to be in support of small independent retailers who are, without doubt, the cornerstone of Banbridge.”
