Teddy Bears Picnic Brings Joy to Families in Grange Park, Omagh

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, supported by Apex, Arbour, Radius and Alpha Housing Associations through the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme, was delighted to welcome families to Grange Park, Omagh on Saturday 26 July 2025 for a fun-filled Teddy Bears Picnic.

The free event, which ran from 1pm to 4pm, attracted large crowds who enjoyed an afternoon packed with engaging activities, music, and entertainment. The Teddy Bears Picnic pays tribute to Omagh’s own Jimmy Kennedy, the internationally renowned lyricist behind the beloved children’s song The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

Families brought their favourite teddies and joined in the festivities, which included live performances from St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band and a lively singalong with Tom Sweeney’s “Tots and Teddy” show. The Hungarian Saturday School delighted audiences with their original breakdance performance encouraging everyone to join in the fun.

Throughout the day, children and families also enjoyed many activities supported by Apex, Arbour, Radius and Alpha Housing Associations including:
– Bouncing with Hunter West Mobile Activity Centre
– Cultural arts and crafts including Thai Arts NI’s fan-making workshop, sand art with Natalie in the Light Box, and creative fun with Wheel Works Art Cart
– Summer-themed characters, face painting, hula hoops, bubbles and more
– Sports and fun with coaches from Omagh Leisure Complex Summer Camp
– Storytelling and Rythm and Rhyme Libraries NI Omagh
– Fun and educational activities including nature-inspired art by the Council’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Team

Attendees stayed refreshed thanks to Refill NI’s rehydration vehicle and enjoyed a variety of food vendors. Free goodies and information were available from the Shared Housing Associations, as well as information from Western Trust Fostering Services and other community partners.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said;

“It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying themselves at this year’s Teddy Bears Picnic. The atmosphere in Grange Park was joyful and inclusive, and it’s clear that events like this are cherished by our community.

We are proud to offer high-quality, free events that bring people together and make use of our wonderful public spaces. I want to thank our partners in the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme for their continued support in making this event such a success.”

The event formed part of the wider work supported through the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme, which is focused on building brighter futures and fostering good relations in communities. The programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and stems from the NI Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy.

Approximately £8.8m is being invested in the Woodside Avenue, Mountjoy Road, Woodbrook, Camowen Woods and Edenwood shared housing developments in Omagh and their associated five-year good relations plans. Apex, Arbour, Radius and Alpha Housing continue to work in partnership with local advisory groups and residents to deliver these plans.

Warren Kerr, Apex Good Relations Officer, added:

“We were thrilled to support the Teddy Bears Picnic as the finale to our good relations programme for Woodside Court. It was a wonderful day out for all the family, and a great way to celebrate community spirit in the beautiful surroundings of Grange Park.”

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