All Roads Lead to Omagh for Omagh Music Festival!

Omagh Music Festival Weekend returns for 2023 and will take place on 3 and 4 November in Strule Arts Centre with a wonderful weekend of events planned.

Saturday 4 November will see a 15 strong band perform hits from Omagh’s very own Plattermen.  While there were many ‘Showbands’ on the island or Ireland, The Plattermen were one of the very few that were universally acknowledged as among the very best throughout the glorious sixties.  

In 1971, after announcing in ‘Spotlight’ that they were ‘going kind a heavy!’ they recorded the remarkable album ‘Old Devil Wine’. This was a testament to the music they lived by at that time – driving, funky, rock music fronted by a world-class horn section with the inimitable vocals of Rob Strong, all to be recreated on this special occasion.

‘Talk and Taste Experience of the Showbands’ will take place on Friday 3 November with Omagh’s very own Showband members and friends.  This experience includes a captivating talk, access to the new and exciting exhibition and a high tea experience!

Join in the conversation as the Showband members and friends share their iconic stories over the years and how this shaped music for generations and immerse yourself in the sights and the sounds of the Showbands by viewing the exhibition which is in place for a limited time only.  The ‘Sights and the Sounds’ exhibition reflects the rich history and cultural impacts of Omagh’s music scene including a costume display showcasing some of the styles from the 1950’s onwards and virtual elements introducing some of the distinguished sounds of that time. 

Then make your way over to Main Street, the former home of the Royal Arms Hotel, for a Showband themed High Tea and reminisce over some scrumptious treats. 

There were many sides to The Plattermen. While there were many so-called ‘Showbands’ in Ireland, The Plattermen were one of the very few that were universally acknowledged as among the very best throughout the glorious sixties. 

In 1971, after announcing in ‘Spotlight’ that they were ‘going kind a heavy!’, they recorded the remarkable album ‘Old Devil Wine’. This was a testament to the music they lived by at that time – driving, funky, rock music fronted by a world-class horn section with the inimitable vocals of Rob Strong, recreated on this occasion for one night only by a 15 strong band.

Speaking about Omagh Music Festival, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said:  

“I am delighted that the Council is once again hosting the Omagh Music Festival weekend to celebrate the rich musical heritage in the local area.  

Omagh is home to many renowned and talented musicians and singers that locals are proud of and the Music Festival provides an opportunity to showcase their talents. 

The Omagh Music Festival Weekend promises to be a weekend of top quality music and reminiscence with a variety of events to suit all ages. 

I would encourage anyone with an interest in music, and particularly the Showband era, to go along to the Festival to experience the talent and celebrate a unique part of the heritage of Omagh.” 

Tickets are now on sale and can be booked through Strule Arts Centre – www.struleartscentre.co.uk or 028 8224 7831.