Enjoy a cracking Christmas from Strule Arts Centre

THOUSANDS of viewers from across Omagh and beyond have been tuning in to the extremely popular ‘Christmas from Strule Arts Centre’ programme in recent weeks.

Indeed, the festive online programme, which sees viewers enjoy top quality live entertainment free from the comfort of their home, is continuing to grow in popularity – particularly as there is still a medley of musical treats still on the marvellous Christmas menu.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Diana Armstrong, was full of praise for the programme, which features a range of exceptionally talented local artists and musicians.

“There is so much local talent in the district, and I am delighted that such a superb venue as Strule Arts Centre is offering local artists and musicians the opportunity to come together to perform in a safe environment, while at the same time providing such wonderful entertainment to those who join online from the comfort of their own homes,” she said.

Cllr Armstrong was also keen to point out that “viewers feel very much part of the show, as they would in a live auditorium performance.”

Christmas Programme

The 13th annual Ft SQ Art Exhibition continues online with lots of fascinating works of art. The public can view the exhibition through Strule Arts Centre Facebook page, or Fermanagh and Omagh District Council YouTube channel.

This Saturday (Saturday, December 19) at 4pm will be the highlight of the week for many children. Because of the impact of Covid-19, many families will not have the opportunity to visit Santa in person – however, Santa will be able to visit homes across the district virtually.

If you let him know you are watching, Santa will try his best to say hello to as many of you as possible. Later that evening, at 8pm, the Strule Arts Centre is delighted to bring you a performance by the very talented local artist, Larry Lowe who will joined by the accomplished singers/musicians Piero Cardarelli and Niall Pritchard. Together they are ‘El Tres Hombres’. This wonderful trio will be performing a mixture of festive favourites, country and folk music, a night not to be missed.

The ‘Christmas from Strule Arts Centre’ online programme will further include a Christmas Special on Monday, December 21 at 8pm, with the wonderful Dominic and Barry Kirwan and guests, including The Benn Sisters. Set your reminder for this one, as you will not want to miss it!

Tune in on Wednesday, December 30 at 8pm to start to bid farewell to 2020 with local band The Whistlin’ Donkeys. The band have packed the Strule Arts Centre auditorium during the Christmas holidays with lively performances. Thankfully this year, you don’t have the worry of missing out on the gig as everyone will have the opportunity to watch it from their own home or bubble that they are part of.

This was the year that The Whistlin’ Donkey’s were going to tour Australia, America and Ireland, with sold out gigs all over. This brilliant event will give the band opportunity to engage with their fans both locally and abroad, until the time comes when they will be back on the road again.

The entertainment will continue on Thursday, December 31 with another first for Strule Arts Centre. The event, ‘What are you doing New Year’s Eve?’ will be hosted by the dazzling Gerarda McCann. Tune in for a two hour spectacular count down to 2021, and the beginning of the end of a very difficult 2020 and better times ahead.

Gerarda will be joined by Ray Moore; Rev Jane Nelson; Rev Fr Kevin Mullan; Rachel and Catherine Bingham; award-winning author, Andrew Maguire; and the Bob Quick quintet for music, stories, reflections on 2020 and more. Music all supplied by a kaleidoscope of local creatives, living and performing in and around Omagh.

NEW YEAR’S WISHES

From ‘Most Wonderful Time of The Year’ to the countdown to ‘Auld Lang Syne’, join us at The Strule Arts Centre via Facebook for a feast of songs and stories and optimism all from your home town.

You are also encouraged to text in your New Year’s wishes to friends and family as we celebrate New Year’s Eve separated from our extended families. Simply put your feet up, light the fire, boil the kettle. Finish the chocolate and relax.

• The full recording of all live shows will be uploaded to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council YouTube channel soon after the performance, where you can view as often as you like with all the family.
• Strule Arts Centre would like to wish you a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year.