St Columba's to host spectacular 'Scarlet Thread' Bible-inspired textile festival

A VIBRANT fusion of faith and creativity will come to life this October as St Columba’s Church, Omagh, prepares to host a 10-day festival unlike anything the town has seen before.

The Scarlet Thread exhibition, running from October 9 to 19, will transform the church into a stunning visual and tactile journey through the Bible, with every book of scripture uniquely represented through textiles.

“We cannot wait to welcome our community to share in this spectacular event,” said Rev Graham Hare, who is spearheading the project. “We have seen an exceptional amount of talent and creativity released as we have been putting this exhibition together.”

From knitted trees in Genesis to an embroidered clock in Ecclesiastes and a handcrafted quilt depicting Galatians, each piece in the exhibition uses fabric, thread, wool and more to bring the Bible’s timeless stories to life. The experience will lead visitors around the church building, offering an immersive exploration of scripture through textile art.

“The Bible is the greatest story ever told,” Rev Graham explained. “We wanted to give everyone the opportunity to engage with the narrative in a visual way that connects and teaches that eternal story in a way that resonates. This isn’t just an exhibition, this is an experience for the heart, mind and soul.”

The exhibition will showcase an impressive range of traditional and contemporary textile techniques, including crochet, tapestry, embroidery, weaving and upholstery. Alongside the artwork, visitors can enjoy a variety of catering options, making the festival a full-day experience for families, individuals and groups.

The project has already sparked widespread involvement, with parishioners, local schools, churches, community organisations such as the U3A, and even professional artists contributing to the collection. Global contributions will also add an international dimension to the display, reflecting the worldwide reach of the Christian faith.

Rev Graham concluded with a call to action: “You can expect to hear a lot more about The Scarlet Thread over the coming months as we share glimpses of what is unfolding and details of how and when to visit. In the meantime, get The Scarlet Thread, October 9-19 in your diary and share the news of this wonderful exhibition with friends and family.”

For more information and updates, keep an eye on St Columba’s Church communications as October approaches.