Join the Fun: St Patrick’s Day in Omagh – Snakes Alive in ’25!

Omagh is gearing up for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Monday, 17 March 2025 from 1pm – 4pm.

This year’s theme, “Snakes Alive ’25”, taking inspiration from the 2025 Luna New Year of the Snake and of course St Patrick, promises a lively family-friendly festival packed with music, dance, and community spirit.

Supported by ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme the streets will come alive with music from ‘Tis Not Easy’ and St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band and family fun. Compared by Radio Star Country favourite DJ Stevie King, the carnival parade will snake its way from South West College along Drumragh Avenue up through the town centre with colourful floats, performers, and groups creatively interpreting this year’s theme.

Following the parade, the very popular ‘Pluck Savage’! will provide live music for a ‘Ceili on the Cobbles’, where the crowd can get involved in favourites such as the Siege of Ennis, the Walls of Limerick and more.

In addition to the entertainment in the town centre, the Strule Arts Centre will host a range of family-friendly activities including arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting and music.

Speaking about the event, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry said,

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to providing the best quality experience for residents and visitors and it is fantastic to have free events in Omagh, like the St. Patricks Day celebrations, available for all to enjoy.

I encourage local businesses, community groups, and individuals to get involved in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, to showcase Omagh as a vibrant and welcoming town with a rich shared heritage.

On behalf of the council, I would like to extend thanks to the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme for their support for the event in Omagh which promises to be an inclusive and memorable celebration of culture, talent, and community spirit.”

Local businesses, schools, community groups, organisations, and individuals are invited to get involved and help make St. Patrick’s Day Omagh 2025 the best yet.

There are a number of ways to get involved:

Walk in the Parade: Join the procession and celebrate as part of a team, community group, or organisation.

Sponsor a Community Group: Support local groups by helping them create props, costumes, or a float. It’s a great way to promote your business while uplifting the community.

Showcase Your Business: Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to promote your business by creating a float or display and joining the parade. This free platform allows you to increase your visibility and connect with thousands of spectators, highlighting your brand in a vibrant and engaging way.

Share Your Time: Whether it’s lending your artistic talents, volunteering your time, or providing resources, your contribution will help bring the festival to life.

To get involved email; events@fermanaghomagh.com

Omagh Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Edgar commented

“The St Patrick’s Day Celebrations is one of the biggest events for the hospitality and catering industry in Omagh. It is also an opportunity to showcase Omagh at its best bringing thousands of spectators to Omagh Town Centre. We are delighted to see that the St Patrick’s Day Parade will be in full flow and encourage local businesses and community groups to get involved”.

The Shared Housing Programme had its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy, which reflected the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
Approximately £8.8m has been 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 group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver a good relations plan for the area.

On behalf of the ‘Housing for All’ Omagh Advisory Group, Joanne Coyle (Arbour Housing) commented:

“Arbour, Apex, Radius and Alpha are delighted to support the annual St Patrick’s Day celebration. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to develop and deliver a good relations plan to encourage a range of outcomes including health and wellbeing, arts and culture, education, and training. This event aligns perfectly with wider plans to foster strong cohesive communities, while providing an enjoyable day for local families filled with music, entertainment, and activities.”

Visit www.fermanaghomagh.com and view the Events & Festivals section on the website or Telephone; 0300 030 1777