By 
LOCAL councillors may be forced to choose between Omagh and Enniskillen as the location for a Halloween fireworks display in 2026 due to funding constraints.
The issue comes amid growing criticism and concern over the absence of a Halloween fireworks event in Omagh in recent years.
A report prepared by the council’s Director of Community and Wellbeing outlines plans for events throughout 2026 and early 2027, and highlights the financial challenges involved in reinstating the popular Halloween celebrations.
In the report, he says that there has been ongoing public interest in the event and that the overall cost of Halloween fireworks in both Omagh and Enniskillen has been estimated at around £60,000.
Support
However, the current unallocated balance is around £36,000. This would not be enough to support events in both towns, but could potentially support delivery in a single location.
“The potential role of inward sponsorship and delivery partners was also discussed,” he said.
“Officers noted that sponsorship normally supports established events with proven reach and attendance, so that the benefit to sponsors are clear in advance.
“Sponsorship therefore generally follows a commitment to deliver an event rather than enabling it… Halloween has not formed part of the council events programme since it was last delivered in 2019.
“Members also noted the successful delivery model of the Enniskillen Halloween events, which is supported through Enniskillen BID and private sector investment and the inplications of that model of council delivering an event in Omagh and not in Enniskillen.”
The council is set to spend around £350,000 on delivering its events programme during the coming year.
Among those planned are the Omagh Music Festival, St Patrick’s Day events and a seasonal outdoor music programme at Christmas.
