Omagh Music Festival celebrates the enduring legacy of Jimmy Kennedy

Omagh Music Festival 2026 brought music, theatre, storytelling and local talent to Strule Arts Centre during a two-day celebration of the life, music and enduring legacy of Omagh-born songwriter Jimmy Kennedy.

Across the programme on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, audiences explored Kennedy’s remarkable career, the craft of popular songwriting and the continuing influence of songs that travelled from Omagh to listeners around the world.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, attended the festival and said: “Jimmy Kennedy’s remarkable songwriting legacy is a great source of pride for Omagh. His songs travelled far beyond his hometown, becoming international favourites and securing his place among the great songwriters of his generation.

“Omagh Music Festival provided a wonderful opportunity to explore his extraordinary career, his contribution to popular songwriting and the lasting influence of his work.

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was delighted to support the festival, and I commend Event Coordinator Declan Forde, Musical Director Niall Moore, Leanne Daly from Golden Apples Players and everyone involved in delivering a programme that celebrated Jimmy Kennedy’s enduring musical legacy and his connection to our town.”

The fantastic weekend opened on Friday 9 October with the launch event, ‘In Jimmy Kennedy’s Footsteps – Denmark Street Revisited’, presented by BBC Radio Ulster presenter and Undertones bassist Mickey Bradley.

Visitors enjoyed Mickey’s journey through London’s Denmark Street, the UK’s famed ‘Tin Pan Alley’, exploring the songwriters, musicians and music publishers who helped shape popular music. Drawing on his own career, he shared stories and industry insights while highlighting Kennedy’s exceptional contribution.

The festival was delighted to welcome J. J. Tohill, who travelled from Belfast with his family to see his personal collection on display as part of the Jimmy Kennedy audio-visual exhibition.

Music also spilled beyond the stage where St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band welcomed shoppers and visitors on Main Street on Friday evening adding to the atmosphere.

The festival continued on Saturday morning with a practical songwriting workshop led by acclaimed songwriter and music industry professional John Farry.

Drawing on his work with some of Ireland’s best-known artists, including Nathan Carter, John explored the ingredients of a great song, recording techniques and how songwriters can pitch their work to singers and agents.

The weekend culminated with ‘My Song Goes ’Round the World’, a special concert celebrating Kennedy’s extraordinary songwriting legacy. With musical direction by Niall Moore, drama direction by Leanne Daly, and a script and production by Declan Forde, the performance combined live music and drama to place Kennedy’s story and songs within the golden age of popular music.

Michael Kelly portrayed Jimmy Kennedy, bringing his story to life alongside members of Golden Apples Drama Group.

The musical line-up featured Niall Moore on piano and trumpet; Cara McCarthy-Moore on piano; vocalists Conor Chism and Aoife Duddy; Nigel Simpson on drums; Danny McCormack on bass; Owen McNulty on guitar; and Aoife Simmonds on violin.

Audiences enjoyed some of Kennedy’s best-loved songs, including Red Sails in the Sunset, Harbour Lights, Isle of Capri and Teddy Bears’ Picnic – timeless works that crossed borders and generations to become part of the international popular music repertoire.

The Exhibition created from J. J. Tohill’s extensive gifted Kennedy collection donated to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, featured a timeline of Kennedy’s career and showcases the largest collection of original Kennedy song sheets.

The collection ensures that Kennedy’s achievements can continue to be celebrated and remembered in Omagh, the town where he was born.

Bringing together musicians, actors, songwriters and audiences, Omagh Music Festival 2026 delivered a fitting celebration of an exceptional local talent whose songs continue to resonate around the world.