22nd October 2026

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was honoured to host the Best Kept Awards 2026 at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, celebrating the outstanding work of staff, volunteers and local groups in keeping the district’s towns, villages and shared spaces looking their best.

Several notable local successes were recognised at the prestigious awards ceremony, including Lisbellaw receiving the ‘Most Improved Village’ award and Carol Corrigan of Belcoo in Bloom winning the ‘Community Hero’ award. Omagh was also named runner-up in the ‘Large Town’ category.

The awards were presented by UTV presenter Joe Mahon, Patron of the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC), with community groups, volunteers, residents and businesses from across Northern Ireland recognised at the event.

Organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC), the Best Kept Awards are one of Northern Ireland’s longest-running environmental and community competitions, having been established in 1957 to encourage communities to take pride in their surroundings and improve the quality of their local environment.

Through the PEACEPLUS Environment for All programme, the Council has supported local community groups, including Belcoo in Bloom and Lisbellaw Area Initiative, to enhance shared green spaces and contribute to the wider efforts recognised through these awards.

Speaking following the awards ceremony, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome finalists, guests and organisers to the Ardhowen Theatre for the 2026 Best Kept Awards. These awards celebrate the commitment of volunteers, residents, businesses and community groups who help make our towns and villages welcoming places to live and visit.

“I was delighted to see local successes recognised on the day, with Lisbellaw named ‘Most Improved Village’, Carol Corrigan of Belcoo in Bloom receiving the ‘Community Hero’ award, and Omagh finishing runner-up in the Large Town category.

“These achievements reflect the strong community spirit, pride and teamwork across our district, with people working throughout the year to enhance and care for their local areas.

“I also wish to extend a sincere thank you to our village orderlies, street cleansing staff, parks and grounds teams, and especially our community volunteers. Your dedication helps make our district a great place to live, work and visit.

“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. We were proud to host this prestigious event in the Fermanagh and Omagh district.”

Next year, the Best Kept Awards will celebrate their 70th anniversary at Stormont, marking seven decades of recognising communities that take pride in their local environment.