There is a real threat to the future of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival.

The 21st edition of the festival commenced yesterday in Ballyshannon and will run until Sunday, with 30 acts performing on 15 stages across the event.

The festival is organised by volunteers and brings between 4 to 5 million euros to the local economy annually.

Chairperson and Founder of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival, Barry O'Neill, says that there's no guarantee the festival will return due to the rising operating costs: