Fun for all this St Patrick’s Day in Tyrone!

FROM colourful street characters and awesome animals to terrific tunes that will get the toes tapping and giant bubbles that float into the skies, Omagh is set to come alive with music, magic and much more this St Patrick’s Day.

Taking place on Thursday from 12-4pm, the packed itinerary of celebrations in the town centre have been organised by Dún Uladh Heritage Centre, in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and the extravaganza promises to be a brilliant day for all members of the family.

While ‘Irish Maiden Hopper’ hops around the street blowing magnificent and hypnotising bubbles, quirky street characters, ‘Morchant the Wizard’, ‘Bluebell the Fairy’ and ‘Will Bill Hiccup’ will spark smiles as they entertain on stilts.

Little ones will also enjoy a whimsical ‘Pot of Gold’ trail, where they will tasked with the challenge of finding mischievous little Leprechauns dotted across town – and if they succeed, there are special prizes to be won!

As well as music; dance; entertainment; amusements; and a brilliant petting farm, local historian Vincent Brogan will be hosting a free and deeply insightful walking tour of the town, to unlock the hidden secrets and gems of Omagh.

The tour, which begins at the Strule Arts Centre, will take place from 2pm to 3.30pm.

To secure your place, please email ‘music@dunuladh.ie’ or call Dún Uladh on 028 8224 2777.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

And that’s not all: Prepare to refresh, revitalise and revel in feverous music by the Blackwater Céilí Band; The PorterBellys; Dominic Kirwan; St Eugene’s Brass Band; and Omagh Blue Notes, to name a few, which will fill the town full of cheer.

Additionally, magnificent musical performances will also take place in the food court, with tasty treats by ‘Kool Kandy’; deluxe pizzas by ‘Fire and Feed’; and delicious crêpes by Chez Manu.

elsewhere

Excitement is also building in Dungannon, where organisers have promised the best parade yet and led by All Ireland camogie champions Naomh Treasa Dungannon. There will be five bands from across the North taking part as well as a troupe of talented Irish dancers.

Celebrations will be ongoing during the day at The Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House. The parade will set off from O’Neill Park, Lisnahull at 5pm. All participants are asked to assemble at 4.30pm. It will proceed from O’Neill Park to the Donaghmore Road, through Ann Street, Irish Street, Market Square, Scotch Street, George’s Street and William Street before dispersing back at Ann Street.

The wide streets of Cookstown will host the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Mid Ulster this year.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians said they are looking forward to this year’s celebrations which are expected to feature all the normal colour and fanfare of previous years. Any group interested in taking part in the parade should contact aoh.tyrone@yahoo.ie or on Facebook via Lá Fhéile Pádraig Cookstown

Strabane will be a hive of activity this St Patrick’s Day when the town’s parade makes a welcome return.

The council have launched a top  programme with entertainment for all the family that includes music, drama and entertainment in the Alley Theatre and Cullen’s Funfair in the Canal Carpark.

Entertainment at The Alley Courtyard includes live music by CRAIC youth and Missing Time and arts and cultural activities from 1- 4.30pm.

The day will climax with the annual parade at 2pm which begins at Holy Cross College before making its way through Melmount Road, Bridge Street, Market Street, Abercorn Square, Railway Road and finishes in Dock Street.