Omagh Music Festival

Sound of the Showbands: Old Devil Wine

Saturday 4 November @ 8pm

Following on from the hugely successful tribute to the Plattermen in last year’s programme which focused on the 1960’s musical hits, this year the Saturday night concert will celebrate this tremendously accomplished group of musicians in their final years as a band with a 15 piece strong band recreating some of their greatest hits for one night only.

While there were many ‘Showbands’ on the island or Ireland, The Plattermen were one of the very few that were universally acknowledged as among the very best throughout the glorious sixties.

In 1971, after announcing in ‘Spotlight’ that they were ‘going kind a heavy!’ they recorded the remarkable album ‘Old Devil Wine’. This was a testament to the music they lived by at that time – driving, funky, rock music fronted by a world-class horn section with the inimitable vocals of Rob Strong, all to be recreated on this special occasion.

To Book Click Here

Melody Unveiled: Crafting Stories with Frank Galligan – A Song writing Journey inspired by Jimmy Kennedy

Saturday 4 November @ 10am 

Omagh born Jimmy Kennedy’s career as a songwriter spanned over 50 years and he wrote more than 2,000 songs, of which 200 were worldwide hits. Up until the era of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Jimmy had more hits in the USA than any non-American songwriter. His songs include Red Sails in the Sunset, South of the Border, Teddy Bears’ Picnic as well as the Hokey Cokey. Jimmy was chiefly a lyricist, and although Frank Galligan’s workshop will encourage fledgling songwriters to concentrate on creating lyrics, he also invites participants who may have a melody and want to add words.

To Book Click Here

Talk & Taste of the Showbands

Friday 3 November @ 6pm

Hear from members of the showbands and their friends and families, reliving the memories and stories of the hey days along with a beautiful high tea experience. Also enjoy exclusive access to the NEW exhibition ‘Sights and Sounds of the Showbands’!

To Book Click Here

Swing Dance Tyrone

Friday 3 November @ 7pm

A beginner-friendly workshop to learn the fundamentals of Lindy Hop used in social dance halls from 1920s. Normally danced to big band music, this workshop focuses on partnered dancing but no need to bring one; everyone dances together and swaps around. All you need is comfy clothes, shoes that don’t grip, some water, and a bit of bounce!

To Book Click Here

The Sights and Sounds of the Showbands Era: The Exhibition

Immerse yourself in the Showband exhibition, which reflects the rich history and cultural impacts of Omagh’s music scene with exciting new additions from last year! It will showcase costumes from the 1950’s onwards and include interactive elements projecting the iconic sounds of the era.  The Sights and Sounds Exhibition will be on display in Strule Arts Centre from Thursday 5 October to Saturday 4 November 2023.

For more information Click Here.

View the Omagh Music Festival 2023 Programme below!