OMAGH LIGHTS UP FOR CHRISTMAS
Omagh lights up for Christmas
By Ciaran McGuigan
BOMB-scarred Omagh takes another step towards normality today when its Christmas lights are switched on.
Several thousand people were expected on the streets as Daniel O'Donnell performs the ceremony.
A dazzling array of entertainment was lined up for what promised to be a poignant but joyous event as the town struggles to put the August 15 massacre of 29 people behind it.
Sinn Fein chairman of Omagh District Council, Sean Clarke, urged people to turn out and support the town - and enjoy a spectacular night's entertainment.
"We are expecting a large crowd, probably thousands if the weather holds out," he said.
"And it should be a good night. We have lined up some high profile names and the planned laser show should be spectacular.
"The town has been fairly quiet so far in the run-up to Christmas but hopefully it will pick up after this."
Entertainment gets under way at 6.30pm when Ireland's Voices for Peace Choir takes the stage, followed by folk superstar Dolores Keane.
The Omagh Community Youth Choir will sing Across the Bridge of Hope, the song based on the touching poem written by 12-year-old bomb victim Shaun McLaughlin.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Mo Mowlam joined Frank Sweeny, a coordinator of the Omagh Fund, at last night's London launch of the fundraising album Across the Bridge of Hope, which features U2, The Corrs, Boyzone and Daniel O'Donnell.
The album will be released on Monday.
By Ciaran McGuigan
BOMB-scarred Omagh takes another step towards normality today when its Christmas lights are switched on.
Several thousand people were expected on the streets as Daniel O'Donnell performs the ceremony.
A dazzling array of entertainment was lined up for what promised to be a poignant but joyous event as the town struggles to put the August 15 massacre of 29 people behind it.
Sinn Fein chairman of Omagh District Council, Sean Clarke, urged people to turn out and support the town - and enjoy a spectacular night's entertainment.
"We are expecting a large crowd, probably thousands if the weather holds out," he said.
"And it should be a good night. We have lined up some high profile names and the planned laser show should be spectacular.
"The town has been fairly quiet so far in the run-up to Christmas but hopefully it will pick up after this."
Entertainment gets under way at 6.30pm when Ireland's Voices for Peace Choir takes the stage, followed by folk superstar Dolores Keane.
The Omagh Community Youth Choir will sing Across the Bridge of Hope, the song based on the touching poem written by 12-year-old bomb victim Shaun McLaughlin.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Mo Mowlam joined Frank Sweeny, a coordinator of the Omagh Fund, at last night's London launch of the fundraising album Across the Bridge of Hope, which features U2, The Corrs, Boyzone and Daniel O'Donnell.
The album will be released on Monday.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0520
Published Date: 26-Nov-98
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