Music icons Frankie Mc Bride and Frank Chism set to be celebrated at Omagh Music Festival

The Omagh Music Festival returns on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November 2024 and promises an unforgettable celebration of local music legends Frankie Mc Bride and Frank Chism. The weekend’s events will honour the incredible legacy of these two local musicians, who enjoyed outstanding careers and entertained audiences across the island of Ireland, GB, and the USA from the late 1960s onwards.

On Friday 1 November the festival begins with an engaging evening at the Strule Arts Centre, hosted by Sweet Omagh Town Internet Radio presenters Don McGurgan and Declan Forde. Titled “From Bridge Lane to Memory Lane”, the event will explore Omagh’s past through personal stories and reflections on how the town’s culture and entertainment scene have evolved over the years.

Saturday 2 November offers a full day of activities, beginning with the Omagh Music Heritage Trail. Starting from the rooftop museum at the Strule Arts Centre, the trail takes participants on a walking tour through the town, highlighting key venues from Omagh’s musical history. Visitors can enjoy the showband exhibition, which delves into the cultural influence of the local music scene.

Following the trail, there will be a special screening of Frank Chism’s iconic performances showcasing his iconic costumes, vibrant big bands, and showmanship that captivated audiences. The film, Elvis Lives! was recorded live at the Braemar Room and the Olympia Theatre in Dublin in 1991.

The weekend concludes with the Omagh Music Festival Concert, also held at the Strule Arts Centre. Local baritone Calvin Davidson will perform some of Frankie McBride’s most iconic recordings. In the summer of 1967, McBride achieved a remarkable milestone by breaking into the UK Top 20 with his rendition of the American country hit ‘Five Little Fingers’. Despite receiving many offers to move away, he remained in Omagh, performing with the Polka Dots on the thriving Irish showband circuit and continuing to record high quality albums under his own name.

Frank Chism’s legacy will be celebrated by his grandson Conor, who will perform a selection of his best-known songs, including many from his Elvis Presley repertoire, backed by an outstanding 14-piece live band. Conor, inspired by his grandfather, is at the beginning of his musical journey and will launch his debut album at the Omagh Music Festival Concert. This is a unique opportunity to witness a special performance with an incredible live band.

Tickets should be booked in advance as availability is limited. For more information or to book visit www.struleartscentre.co.uk