Splashing into Puddlefest

From sweet guitar sounds to swooning choirs, angelic voices, face painting, delicious bakes and more, it will soon be time for you to hop, skip and jump into this year’s ‘Puddlefest’ music festival.

Organised by Friends of Puddleducks Playgroup and Friends of Drumragh Sarsfield GAC, the tuneful event is now the 15th of its kind, and is one not to be missed – especially if you are a music lover.

The festival will take place on Saturday, April 20 at Clanabogan Park, and all proceeds raised on the day will be shared between two local organisations: Puddleducks Playgroup and Drumragh Sarsfields Football Club.

From 10am until 6.30pm, there will be a combination of familiar faces and new acts to entertain the crowd and to keep the good spirits up.

The entertainment extravaganza also welcomes back All Saints Primary School; Omagh County Primary School; Moore Brothers; ‘Harmonise’ Choir; Tumbleweed; Gerarda McCann; Dave McKervey; Sean Curran; Lee Cheung; Ciaran McClean; Stone Resistance; The Woodburners; The ‘Rock and Blues Jam Band; and Doyle Mills.

New to Puddlefest this year are exciting new group, ‘The Proper Gandhi’s’; Young Guitar instrumentalist, Caleb Mills; up-and-coming young violinist, Matthew Kane; talented singer/songwriter, Lorraine Simpson; multi- instrumentalist, Mairead Lynch; and much, much more.

In addition to the main stage programme, there will be an ‘open mic-style’ outdoor performance area operating between 12 noon and 3.30pm, where beginners and more experienced musicians can turn up with their instrument to play in an informal setting.

As well as the considerable musical events happening on the day, there will be various side events and stalls both indoors and outdoors to keep all the family entertained.

Expect a pleasing range of bric-a-brac, mouth-watering cakes, face painting, Gaelic taster games, a ‘Football Dartboard’, and various food and drink stalls for coffee, crepes, burgers and more.

Speaking to the UH, musician and event organiser, Doyle Mills has encouraged everyone to come along and enjoy the fun.

“This year’s Puddlefest should be a great family day out in beautiful surroundings with lots for all ages to do with a backdrop of the finest music Omagh has to offer,” he said.

“Please come and support Puddleducks Playgroup and Drumragh Sarsfields Football Club: Two worthy organisations which are both the backbone of the local community, and enjoy a fun-filled day of music and craic.”

‘Puddlefest’ will take place on Saturday, April 20 at Clanabogan Park from 10am to 6.30pm. Admission is free, although donations are encouraged by filling the many buckets around the area.