Omagh set to celebrate St Patrick's Day with a spectacular festival of 'Music and Mythology'

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OMAGH is preparing for its biggest celebration of the year as the St Patrick’s Day Festival returns on Tuesday, March 17, from 1pm to 4pm.

Delivered by Urban Events NI and sponsored by Arbour and Alpha Housing Associations, this year’s theme, Music and Mythology, promises a lively afternoon filled with culture, colour, creativity and community pride. The festival, supported by the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme, brings together local organisations, performers and residents to celebrate what makes Omagh unique.

Omagh town centre will come alive with an exceptional line-up of musicians and dancers throughout the afternoon. Compered by Stevie King, highlights include the Tyrone Trad Super Session featuring some of the county’s finest traditional musicians, Battle of the Bands champions ‘One Too Many’ on the Courthouse Stage, high-energy performances from Lewsley School of Traditional Irish Dance, Newtownstewart and Blue Thistle Highland Dancers. The folk-punk-trad powerhouse band ‘Pluck Savage’ will ramp up the energy ahead of the carnival parade.

Roaming musicians and informal street sessions will bring music to every corner of the town. Additional features include Sperrins Sessions, offering flute‑and‑fiddle tradition, and Sessions on the Strule, blending contemporary and traditional pieces inspired by the journey of St Patrick. Festival‑goers can also enjoy a relaxed roaming street performance created by Tyrone Trad, bringing musicians up close as they move through the town, while St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band provide a warm welcome outside Danske Bank.

The iconic St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade will once again delight spectators as it winds through Omagh. Taking part are community groups including Ulster Project, Together with Solace, CKS Community Centre, FOCUS, Shop Mobility, African Caribbean Community Network, Omagh Pride, Sea Dragon Vikings, local Comhaltas branches, 5Star, Omagh Spires Special Olympics Club and Skyzdalimit, who have worked with Streetwise Community Circus on their parade props. This year, a number of participating groups have developed imaginative and eye-catching parade props through support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Artists in Residence programme, strengthening local creative capacity and ensuring a truly spectacular visual display.

Bands taking part include Cookstown Samba Band and Cloughfin Pipe Band, Kildress, marking their centenary year. Local businesses such as Lewsley School of Irish Dance, Hazel Wand Theatre School, Meenagh Recovery, Glendale Limousines and TEREX, the largest employer in Omagh. Creative workshops supported by the Arts Council and Housing for All are helping groups prepare colourful parade entries.

Strule Arts Centre will present a vibrant cultural showcase curated by Dun Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre, featuring music, song, Highland and traditional dance, and storytelling by compere Declan Forde. Families can enjoy mythology‑inspired sand mandalas, Sean Nos dancing, a Leprechaun Trail, arts and crafts workshops and a family film. The Urban Garden will feature crafts and food stalls, with quiet spaces and accessible facilities available.

Old Market Place will offer visitors the chance to view a working Steam Engine by Celtic Steamers, alongside folk and bluegrass music and a caricature artist. Omagh’s hospitality venues will be open with food and entertainment, and free parking will be provided across town centre car parks, with accessible spaces at the rear of Strule Arts Centre.

Additional weekend events include Omagh Eats Food Market on Saturday, March 14 and Omagh Trad and Folk Fest on Sunday, March 15.

Speaking about St Patrick’s Day Celebrations, chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “Omagh continues to grow as a major destination for St Patrick’s Day, supported by additional events including Omagh Eats and Trad and Folk Fest. Thank you to the event sponsors whose support enhances these celebrations. Their commitment to the community brings these vibrant events to life.”

For more information on the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Omagh, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com