Delight as Strabane Unplugged returns after nine years break

AFTER a nine-year hiatus, Strabane Unplugged is making its long-awaited return to the stage, delighting fans both old and young with the cream of local musical talent.

The two-day musical extravaganza, taking place on April 20 and May 18, will see local songsters take to the Alley stage to belt out tunes for music lovers lucky enough to get a ticket for the event.

Three of the organisers, Maureen Doherty, Mickey Ferry and Joe Clarke, were joined by local two-piece The Brambles at the Alley Theatre on Monday to launch the event.

Speaking at the launch, Maureen says the group can’t wait to get started back.

“After nine years it’s good to be able to bring Strabane Unplugged back. We have an abundance of musical talent running through the town and local area which we can’t wait to see up on the stage. For now, we’re remaining tight-lipped on all the acts involved, but it will be a mix of new and emerging talent as well as some old ‘Unplugged heads’ from years gone by. It promises to be a fantastic night,” she said.

Not only will fans be treated to two nights of music, but the Alley will host a free exhibition of photos from Strabane Unplugged gigs of yesteryear so patrons of the previous incarnation can come along and relive the halcyon days.

Louise Boyce, Alley Theatre manager is ‘beyond excited’ at the prospect of hosting the event.

“The new Strabane Unplugged will be absolutely brilliant. Lots of hard work has been going on behind the scenes for months now, getting everything in place for the upcoming dates.

“It really is something special for the town. The sheer amount of musical talent in Strabane is amazing and the fact that we were inundated with so many acts looking to take part shows how committed and talented the townspeople are. I am beyond excited that the beautiful Alley Theatre will host this extravaganza of local music.

“It has been such a privilege to work alongside the Unpulgged committee and it was clear from the outset the passion and commitment given in years gone by was still evident,” Louise said.

“These upcoming gigs and exhibition will be great for the town and the Alley is proud to be able to host such an event. This is the event to be at if you love your music. I expect our box office to be jumping when tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday).”

The exhibition is free but tickets to both nights are £6 each and go on sale at the Alley this Friday at noon.