Ynys Mon withdraws from hosting 2027 Island Games

Faroe Islands now ready to step in to host the event

Ynys Mon will not host the 2027 Island Games.

In a statement, the International Island Games Association (IIGA) says the decision is due to 'several factors, many of them resulting from the pandemic and the necessary measures taken by the Council of Ynys Mon and the Welsh Government due to the pressure on public sector finances.'

Meanwhile, Faroe Islands are ready to step in to hold the event in 2027 and have been named as the preferred bidder.

Final approval on the Faroe Islands' application will be sought at the IIGA's AGM in Orkney in summer 2024.

Chair of the Ynys Mon Organising Committee, Gareth Parry, says they're 'extremely disappointed' to have to withdraw from the games in four years time.

He adds the pandemic and 'other incidents' across the world in recent years have had a 'devastating effect on the current financial climate of Ynys Mon and Wales.'

Elsewhere, Faroe Islands had previously been approved as the preferred bidder for the games in 2031 but had expressed an interest in offering to hold them earlier if the opportunity arose.

They've hosted the games once before in 1989.

You can read the full IIGA statement on the matter HERE.

The next International Island Games are taking place in 2025 in Orkney.

Separately, the Isle of Man has already launched an official bid to host the event in 2029 - a decision on that bid is expected next summer at the IIGA AGM.