GIVE A DAY TO OMAGH AS DANIEL SWITCHES ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Give A Day to Omagh' as Daniel switches on Christmas light
Festive celebrations in Omagh will officially get underway this evening (Thursday) when Daniel O'Donnell switches on the Christmas lights.
As part of the rebuilding process which is currently underway in the Tyrone's top trading town, following the horrific bomb which had a profound effect on the entire North West, an initiative, called "Give A Day to Omagh" has just been launched.
Supported by Omagh's businesses, church and community groups, it is simply aimed at inviting groups and individuals from all over Ireland to travel to the market town and spend a day there. Each visitor will have the opportunity to purchase a badge bearing the slogan "I Gave A Day To Omagh" and all the proceeds from the sale of the emblems will go to the Omagh Fund.
The theme of Omagh's Christmas celebrations is "Out of the Darkness Came Light" which along with recognising the tragic events of August, also reflects the positive approaches which are being taken to rejuvenate its community.
A number of events have been organised by the community to make Christmas 1998 in Omagh that extra bit special.
Each Saturday until Christmas, the streets of Omagh will come alive to the sights and sounds of an exciting array of street performances. Face painters, clowns, unicyciists, jugglers and magicians will be on hand to entertain and delight the huge numbers of families which are expected to make the trip and accept the open invitation of the town to spend some time there.
The switching on of the lights tonight promises to be a memorable occasion. The programme begins at 6.30pm. with a performance from the Voices for Peace Choir. Following a pastoral message, the Omagh Community Youth Choir will sing "Across the Bridge of Hope".
Dolores Keane and Sean Keane will take the stage at 6.55pm., while Santa Claus himself, with musical backing from The Chevy's will arrive at 7.10pm. The laser extravaganza will light up the sky at 7.35pm. to enthral both children and adults alike before Daniel O'Donnell switches on the lights. Rock Stewart is due to play for half an hour and proceedings are scheduled to end at 8.30pm. MC for tonight will be Pio McCann.
In addition to the numerous events which have been planned for the run up to December 25th - these include short plays by straw-masked mummers, performances by the Warrington Male Voice Choir and the Dublin Boys Singers and storytelling at various venues in and around the
town - Omagh's traders will be getting into the festive mood with impressive seasonal window display arrangements.
Omagh was always a place renowned for its friendliness and warmth. Recent events, albeit tragic, have served to merely enhance and copper-fasten such an enviable reputation.
Further information on the many activities planned for Omagh can be obtained by contacting the Tourist Information Centre, Omagh, tel. 0801662-247831.
Festive celebrations in Omagh will officially get underway this evening (Thursday) when Daniel O'Donnell switches on the Christmas lights.
As part of the rebuilding process which is currently underway in the Tyrone's top trading town, following the horrific bomb which had a profound effect on the entire North West, an initiative, called "Give A Day to Omagh" has just been launched.
Supported by Omagh's businesses, church and community groups, it is simply aimed at inviting groups and individuals from all over Ireland to travel to the market town and spend a day there. Each visitor will have the opportunity to purchase a badge bearing the slogan "I Gave A Day To Omagh" and all the proceeds from the sale of the emblems will go to the Omagh Fund.
The theme of Omagh's Christmas celebrations is "Out of the Darkness Came Light" which along with recognising the tragic events of August, also reflects the positive approaches which are being taken to rejuvenate its community.
A number of events have been organised by the community to make Christmas 1998 in Omagh that extra bit special.
Each Saturday until Christmas, the streets of Omagh will come alive to the sights and sounds of an exciting array of street performances. Face painters, clowns, unicyciists, jugglers and magicians will be on hand to entertain and delight the huge numbers of families which are expected to make the trip and accept the open invitation of the town to spend some time there.
The switching on of the lights tonight promises to be a memorable occasion. The programme begins at 6.30pm. with a performance from the Voices for Peace Choir. Following a pastoral message, the Omagh Community Youth Choir will sing "Across the Bridge of Hope".
Dolores Keane and Sean Keane will take the stage at 6.55pm., while Santa Claus himself, with musical backing from The Chevy's will arrive at 7.10pm. The laser extravaganza will light up the sky at 7.35pm. to enthral both children and adults alike before Daniel O'Donnell switches on the lights. Rock Stewart is due to play for half an hour and proceedings are scheduled to end at 8.30pm. MC for tonight will be Pio McCann.
In addition to the numerous events which have been planned for the run up to December 25th - these include short plays by straw-masked mummers, performances by the Warrington Male Voice Choir and the Dublin Boys Singers and storytelling at various venues in and around the
town - Omagh's traders will be getting into the festive mood with impressive seasonal window display arrangements.
Omagh was always a place renowned for its friendliness and warmth. Recent events, albeit tragic, have served to merely enhance and copper-fasten such an enviable reputation.
Further information on the many activities planned for Omagh can be obtained by contacting the Tourist Information Centre, Omagh, tel. 0801662-247831.
Further Information
Publisher: DONEGAL DEMOCRAT
Ref: DOD/035
Published Date: 26-Nov-98
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