Omagh will host a lively St. Patrick’s Day festival on Monday, 17 March 2025, from 1pm to 4pm, offering music, dance, and community fun at the heart of County Tyrone. The “Snakes Alive ’25” theme, drawing on both the 2025 Lunar New Year of the Snake and St. Patrick’s legendary story, promises to fill the town with colour and entertainment.
This family-friendly event is supported by Arbour, Radius, Apex, and Alpha Housing Associations, aiming to warmly welcome locals and visitors for a memorable day of traditional music, parades, and cultural festivities.
Live Music and Community Spirit
Festivities begin at 1pm, with Tyrone Trad group ‘Tis Not Easy’ performing outside Omagh Courthouse. DJ Stevie King from Radio Star Country will compere the celebrations, while St. Eugene’s Brass & Reed Band greets festivalgoers near Danske Bank.
Carnival Parade
From 2pm, the St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade winds its way from South West College through Omagh town centre. Marching bands such as Barr Jubilee and Cloughfin Pipe Band, Cookstown Samba Band, and community groups like Lewsley School of Irish Dance and Glenpark Estate will feature. Local organisations and businesses have collaborated with Streetwise Circus Ltd and Artsekta Ltd to prepare floats and costumes inspired by “Snakes Alive ’25.”
Ceili on the Cobbles
After the parade, festivalgoers can enjoy a spirited ceili led by Pluck Savage. Traditional dances, including The Siege of Ennis and The Walls of Limerick, will have everyone tapping their feet in the open air.
Market and Family Fun
Old Market Place will host stalls, street performers, face painting, and caricature portraits. At the Connect Centre, Jurassic Ark Encounters NI offers visitors a chance to see live snakes and reptiles up close, staying true to the “Snakes Alive ’25” theme.
Strule Arts Centre Activities
The Strule Arts Centre will be bustling between 1pm and 4pm with dance performances, music, arts, and crafts. Attendees can also view the “Northern Ireland Through Our Eyes” exhibition by the Bulgarian Association NI, showcasing traditional Bulgarian costumes in familiar Northern Irish settings.
Remarks from the Council
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. Patrick’s Day celebrations, available for all to enjoy.”
He also thanked the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme for helping to make the day inclusive and memorable.
Support and Future Plans
On behalf of the “Housing for All” Omagh Advisory group, Joanne Coyle of Arbour Housing commented: “Arbour, Apex, Alpha and Radius are delighted to support this annual festival. It looks set to be a fantastic day of music, fun and celebration for all to enjoy.” She also noted that up to £8.8m will be invested in Omagh’s shared housing developments and good relations plans.
Accessible Facilities
Strule Arts Centre will provide a quiet room and has Changing Places and baby-changing facilities. Traffic diversions will be in place to accommodate the parade, and all normal town centre car parks will remain open with free parking. A limited number of accessible parking spaces can be reserved behind Strule Arts Centre for Blue Badge holders.
Getting Involved
This vibrant celebration is open to everyone, with something for all ages and interests. Local businesses, community groups, and individuals are encouraged to join in the festivities or simply come along to enjoy the music, dance, and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com.