Teddy Bears Picnic Brings Fun, Music and Smiles to Grange Park

Families gathered in Grange Park, Omagh on Saturday 25 July 2026 for the return of the much-loved Teddy Bears Picnic, hosted by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and supported by Arbour, Radius and Alpha Housing Associations through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.

The free event, which ran from 1pm to 4pm, attracted large crowds who enjoyed an afternoon packed with music, entertainment, creativity and family fun. The Teddy Bears Picnic celebrates Omagh’s own Jimmy Kennedy, the internationally renowned lyricist behind the much-loved children’s song, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

Families brought along their favourite teddies and enjoyed live performances from St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band, as well as a singalong with Tom Sweeney’s popular “Tots and Teddy” show.

The event created a lively atmosphere throughout the afternoon, with children and adults joining in the entertainment and making lasting summer memories. Throughout the day, children and families enjoyed a wide range of activities supported by Arbour, Radius and Alpha Housing Associations, including:

• Omagh Leisure Complex Staff sports and fun activities for children and families
• Storytelling sessions with Libraries NI
• Nature-inspired art and environmental activities delivered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Climate Team
• Arts, crafts and sensory play activities
• Summer-themed characters, face painting, hula hoops, bubbles and more
• Information stands and family activities from community organisations and partners

Visitors also had the opportunity to meet representatives from Arbour, Radius and Alpha Housing Associations, Western Trust Fostering Services, Integrated Education and other community partners, who were on hand throughout the afternoon.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, attended and said: “It was wonderful to see so many children, families and visitors enjoying this year’s Teddy Bears Picnic in Grange Park. The event once again provided a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in one of our district’s most popular outdoor spaces.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was welcoming, inclusive and full of excitement, with a wide variety of activities ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. Events such as these play an important role in bringing communities together and creating positive experiences for families.

“I would like to thank Arbour, Radius and Alpha Housing Associations, through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, for their continued support, as well as all of the performers, activity providers, partners, staff and volunteers who helped make the event such a success.”

The event formed part of the wider work supported through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, which focuses on building brighter futures for all and promoting positive community relations.

The Teddy Bears Picnic was supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme had its origins in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy, reflecting a commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.

A potential investment of £7.8m has been invested in the Mountjoy Road (Arbour), Woodbrook (Radius), Camowen Woods (Radius) and Edenwood (Alpha) shared housing developments, alongside associated Good Relations Plans. The shared housing developments’ Good Relations Plan includes Bridging and Bonding events delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include Health and Wellbeing, Education and Training.

Radius, Arbour and Alpha Housing currently have 24 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland. Arbour, Radius and Alpha Housing continue to work in partnership with Omagh Advisory Group stakeholders and residents to deliver activities that bring people together, strengthen community relationships and promote good relations in Omagh.

For more information on upcoming events, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com or contact the Events team on 0300 303 1777, textphone 028 8225 6216 or email events@fermanaghomagh.com.