St Patrick’s Day in Omagh- ‘The land of Saints and Scholars’
12th February 2019
Omagh town centre will come alive with colour, music and dance on Sunday 17 March 2019 as Fermanagh and Omagh District Council hosts the annual St Patrick’s Day parade. The Theme of this year’s parade is ‘The Land of Saints and Scholars’ and a range of free family music, dance and entertainment will take place from 1 pm – 5 pm.
The St Patrick’s Day carnival parade will make its way from its starting point at Sedan Avenue to the town centre at 1.30 pm where it will be welcomed by the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton. The 2018 All-Ireland Fleadh Senior Céilí Band Champions – ‘Blackwater Céilí Band’, will entertain the crowds on the Main stage located in front of the Courthouse both before and after the parade makes its way through the town centre. ISL and BSL sign language interpreters will also be located on stage to interpret parade participants as they pass by while an area will be set aside specifically for spectators with access requirements to provide a clear view of the stage and parade.
A Shared Traditions Musical programme will keep visitors to the Strule Arts Centre entertained throughout the day running from 12.30 -5.00 pm with performances from St. Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band and a range of Local Comhaltas musicians and singers alongside Highland dancers, Irish dancers and more.
The Bulgarian Association Group will keep little hands busy as they get creative with a workshop from 12.30-3pm in Strule Arts Centre. The workshop will demonstrate for both children and adults how to make martenitsa (this is a traditional Bulgarian decoration made of white and red yarn/wool thread twisted together, a symbolic wish for good health and good fortune that is given to families and friends during March).
The children’s Art Exhibition which is always very popular will be on display also in Strule Arts Centre from Friday 8th March until Saturday 30th March 2019, where children from local schools have worked together to produce ‘Poems and Paintings for St Patrick.’
The carnival parade circular route will begin on Sedan Avenue passing along Drumragh Avenue before continuing on to Market Street, High Street, John Street, across Church Street, down George Street, High Street, Bridge Street and back to South West College along Sedan Avenue. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy street entertainment and face painting.
Speaking at the launch of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Omagh, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton said,
“I am honoured to lead the St Patrick’s Day parade in Omagh on Sunday 17 March. With outdoor and indoor entertainment, arts and crafts, local shops and restaurants, there is something for all the family to enjoy. Wrap up warm whatever the weather and come and celebrate the event on 17 March.”
A number of fringe events will also take place at Strule Arts Centre in the run up to St Patrick’s Day. The Irish, Ulster Scots & Scots Gaelic Festival will take place on Saturday 2nd March, this is an educational and celebratory one day event. The primary schools céilí – Céilí na mBunscoileanna will be held on Friday 8 March.
It’s not too late if your group or organisation wants to take part in the parade – For more information on how you can get involved contact the Events Management Team on: 0300 303 1777 or email events@fermanaghomagh.com to receive a parade entry form before Friday 22nd February 2019. For more information on St Patrick’s Day Celebrations Omagh visit www.fermanaghomagh.com or contact the Events Management Team on the number listed above.
For further information on St Patrick’s Day fringe events please contact Strule Arts Centre directly on 028 8224 7831 or visit www.struleartscentre.co.uk.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is also supporting the St Patrick’s Day parade in Enniskillen which is being delivered by Project St Patrick. For more information on St. Patricks Day Enniskillen visit www.projectstpatrick.com
This event has received financial support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Good Relations Programme assisted by the Executive Office.