Omagh: Let the Festive Season Commence!
25th November 2024
Large crowds gathered in Omagh for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 23rd November. The event was delivered in partnership with the ‘Housing for All’ shared housing programme and Arbour, Radius and Apex Housing Associations. Young and old braved the cold weather to celebrate, as the lights illuminated the town, marking the beginning of the festive season for traders and the community alike.
Throughout the day, the streets were full of cheer as local performers Brian Pritchard and his sons Darren and Jonathan entertained visitors while the Christmas Farmers Market on Main Street offered a vibrant mix of fresh produce, artisan foods and handmade crafts. Adding to the magic, live music from St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band, filled the air with festive tunes.
Strule Arts Centre was buzzing with excited families throughout the day visiting Santa, enjoying the festive arts and crafts and storytelling before taking to the street to enjoy a performance from Tumble Circus Glow with entertainers and more courtesy of the ‘Housing for All’ shared housing programme.
Festive music and entertainment took place on the Courthouse stage as Buddy the Elf warmly welcomed everyone, including a delightful performance by pupils of Cooley Primary School as they sang their favourite Christmas carols followed by a Christmas Blessing from Omagh Churches Forum. The crowds enjoyed an enchanting journey around the world, showcasing Christmas traditions from various countries with special guest characters such as Moana from Hawaii, Belle from France, and Anna & Elsa from Norway, sharing songs and customs from their homelands leading up to the much anticipated arrival of Santa.
Santa Claus made his way over the Sperrin’s and Strule River to finally touch land in Omagh town centre to meet excited families. He then joined the crowd to count down to the magical Christmas light switch on, followed by singing and dancing under the sparkling lights with Destiny’s Elf girl band.
Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Elaine Brough spoke at the event saying;
‘I hope you have all enjoyed the entertainment so far today. I would like to thank and congratulate all our local performers who have made today extra special, you have helped to get us all in the festive spirit.
I would like to thank the Department for Communities, Housing For All and Apex, Arbour and Radius Housing Associations for their kind support towards this event.
It is great to see so many in the town today and I would encourage you to shop local and support the businesses in our towns and villages this Christmas and all year round. On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year.’
The Christmas Light Switch-On 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 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 £6.9m has been invested in the Woodside Avenue, Mountjoy Road, Woodbrook and Camowen Woods shared housing developments in Omagh and their associated five-year good relations plans. Apex, Arbour and Radius Housing continue to work in partnership with local advisory group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver a good relations plan for the area.
Joanne Coyle (Arbour) from ‘Housing for All’ Omagh Advisory Group, commented:
“Arbour, Apex and Radius are delighted to support the annual Christmas Light Switch-On, celebrating the start of the festive season. 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.”
The festive atmosphere continues in the lead up to Christmas with the Seasonal Outdoor Music programme featuring live performances by local artists and bands every Saturday afternoon from 30 November and continuing on 7, 14, and 21 December.
Explore the full Christmas Programme, including sensory-friendly events in the Events & Festivals section of the Council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com.
Notes to Editor
Further information:
Arbour Housing
18-22 Carleton Street, Portadown, BT62 3EN
Tel: 028 38 339795
Radius Housing
7 Racecourse Road
Derry-Londonderry
BT48 7RB
Apex Housing
10 Butcher Street
Derry-Londonderry
BT48 6HL