Countdown is on until St Patrick's Day celebrations return to Omagh

THE popular St Patrick’s Day festival is returning to Omagh town on Friday, March 17 delivered by Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre.

The exciting event is taking place from 12 noon to 4pm, and will feature everything from fantastic music, to dance, drama, amusements, and family entertainment.

The free-of-charge event, sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, will also see numerous hospitality and entertainment venues throughout the town getting into the spirit of the global festivities.

A fantastic line-up of talent will provide entertainment throughout the day including St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band, Ceoltóirí na hOmaí, traditional group Blaisín, Clogher & District Pipe Band, and a special performance from Omagh’s own country music star, Barry Kirwan. All of this will be broadcast to you by the familiar voice of compere, Stevie King.

There will be small funfair rides for young children, and a petting farm, face painting and street performers animating the streets of Omagh.

Strule Arts Centre will have arts and crafts, Leprechaun Trail and Wood turning with Desmond Wagstaff all between 1pm to 4pm.

The auditorium will be filled with an energetic variety of music and dance from artists and musicians from local Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) branches, Bulgarian Association NI, Tom Sweeney, Newtownstewart Highland dancers and more.

Local artist will be performing at the Urban Garden outside the Strule Arts Centre including Andrew Dolan, The Neverbeens, Cararose Brogan and Lee McCrystall.

Grab a bite to eat at the Food Court with local food traders Fire and Feed, Chez Manu and Kool Kandy.

For further information on the St Patrick’s Day festival, please visit ‘www.dunuladh.ie’. Keep up with the day’s plans by following @dunuladhchc on Instagram; Twitter @dun_uladh; and Facebook @dunuladh.