Teddy Bears Have Their Picnic in Grange Park, Omagh!

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, supported by Apex, Arbour and Radius Housing Associations through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, is hosting a children’s Teddy Bears Picnic in Grange Park, Omagh on Saturday 27th July from 1 pm to 4 pm.

The event pays tribute to the legacy of Omagh native, James (Jimmy) Kennedy and his iconic song “Teddy Bears’ Picnic”.

People of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities, including singing along with Tom Sweeney’s ‘Tots and Teddy,’ storytelling with Libraries NI, and games and rhymes with LAST Sure Start.

Explore the park with a Tree Trail, join in the fun with Omagh Leisure Complex Summer Camp activities, or participate in interactive games, a bug hunt, or the Teddy Bear New Home Hunt.  Face painting and children’s character appearances will add to the excitement, all while the lovely music of St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band fills the air.  There will also be a live on-site radio broadcast on the day.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry said;
‘’I am thrilled to announce the return of the Teddy Bear’s Picnic following last year’s successful event, which was enjoyed by many.  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, like the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, available for all to enjoy.

It is particularly fitting that the event will be held in the Grange Park in Omagh, which has been redeveloped as a destination playpark and was designed as an inclusive and accessible space for parents and children of all abilities. Events like this highlight the park’s purpose, providing a safe, shared space, where families can come together and create lasting memories.

On behalf of the Council, I would like to extend thanks to Apex, Arbour and Radius Housing Associations through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme who have supported the event. I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the day with so much fun and entertainment on offer’’.

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic is being 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.

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

“Arbour, Apex and Radius are delighted to support the annual Teddy Bear’s picnic, celebrating childhood fun in a fantastic setting.  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.”

Don’t forget to pack your favourite teddy bear and a picnic for a delightful afternoon of fun and music.

This event is inclusive to all.  Blue badge parking spaces and accessible toilets are available on-site.

For More Information:

Visit the Events Section on the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com or contact the Events Team on 0300 303 1777, textphone 028 8225 6216, or email events@fermanaghomagh.com.

For more information about the valuable services offered by the Housing Associations, visit:
Apex Housing: www.apex.org.uk
Arbour Housing: www.arbourhousing.org
Radius Housing: www.radiushousing.org
For more information on the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, visit: www.nihe.gov.uk/working-with-us/partners/housing-for-all-shared-housing-programme.

-ENDS-