Culture Night celebrates creativity and community across Fermanagh and Omagh

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has praised Culture Night 2026 as a wonderful district-wide celebration, with communities coming together on Friday 18 September to enjoy an inspiring programme of free cultural events.

Taking place across Fermanagh and Omagh, Culture Night showcased an impressive array of local talent, traditions and creativity through music, dance, storytelling, food, guided walks, heritage activities and hands-on cultural experiences.

The evening brought local heritage and creativity to life, with community organisations, artists, musicians, dancers and volunteers opening their doors to share their skills, stories and traditions in welcoming venues across the district.

From traditional music and dance to cultural food, storytelling, arts and community heritage, the free events offered something for all ages and provided opportunities for residents and visitors to celebrate the cultures that make the district so unique.

Speaking on the successful programme of events, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said: “Culture Night 2026 was a wonderful celebration of the many cultures, traditions and stories that make our district such a vibrant place.

“It was fantastic to see people coming together across Fermanagh and Omagh to enjoy free events, support local groups and experience the outstanding talent, creativity and traditions on our doorstep.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to, supported and attended Culture Night 2026, helping to make it such a memorable and inclusive evening for communities across the district.”

A total of 15 free events took place across the district, offering something for all ages and interests.

Culture Night began at Fermanagh House, where Sruth na hÉirnes Club Óige hosted Rince agus Damhsa, a traditional dance session that gave participants the opportunity to enjoy and learn more about Irish dance.

At Castle Park Centre, Lisnaskea, the ‘Many Pieces, One Place’ Erne East Townlands Jigsaw was unveiled, celebrating a collaborative project involving local primary schools, community groups and Men’s Sheds.

The handcrafted jigsaw represented a tremendous community effort and highlighted the creativity, local knowledge and shared pride of those who helped bring the project together.

Omagh Community House came alive with music, song, dance and food from around the world, Asian arts and crafts, a Ukulele Choir and Irish and African dance performances.

Music also took centre stage at Omagh Cultural Hub, where Omagh True Blues Flute Band hosted an Open Music Workshop, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to try different instruments, meet facilitators and enjoy learning in a relaxed setting.

At Evan’s Wood, Clabby, Friends of the Little Woods welcomed audiences outdoors for a traditional Seanchaí session, sharing the magic of Celtic storytelling.

Greencastle Community Centre welcomed young people and adults for free music and Sean-nós dance workshops, offering a warm introduction to Irish music, dance and hospitality.

The Masonic Hall in Lisnaskea hosted an engaging panel discussion featuring SEFF members from different cultural backgrounds, encouraging reflection and conversation.

Dún Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre welcomed Oónagh McArdle and friends for a traditional singing session, bringing together a wonderful mix of songs, poetry and storytelling in a relaxed and friendly environment.

An Creagán hosted a fabulous evening of traditional music, song and dance with CCÉ Craobh Tearmainn Mhic Oirc, followed by a traditional music session with Tómas Quinn, Michael Kerr, Ronan Warnock, Conal Ward, Cathal Corey and friends.

The Weigh Inn, Omagh, hosted a Tribute to Stephen McKenna, celebrating the local writer and journalist whose creative legacy includes both prose and song.

Brookeborough Flute Band welcomed attendees to an Ulster-Scots Open Rehearsal at Brooke Memorial Hall, offering an engaging behind-the-scenes look at a band practice evening.

Kirlish Ulster-Scots Association showcased the music, art and talent of its young people at Kirlish Orange Hall, demonstrating the skill involved in performing with a range of musical instruments.

At the Riverside Bar in Garrison, Belleek CCÉ celebrated cultural heritage at a local level with an evening of traditional Irish music, song, dance and recitation.

The evening concluded at Greencastle Community Centre with an Open Traditional Music Session led by Ardboe Instrumental Group, with local musicians and Irish dancers also taking part.

Culture Night 2026 once again demonstrated the strength, diversity and creativity of communities across Fermanagh and Omagh, with free events helping people come together to celebrate shared heritage, local talent and the rich cultural traditions found throughout the district.