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Omagh Launches Christmas programme in bid to move forward

"Out of the darkness came light" the precious theme for this year's Christmas celebrations in Omagh which hopefully will help people regain confidence in the town as well as illuminating a positive image of a community, now, moving forward.
And an open invitation has been extended to everyone to come out and support the Christmas initiative which includes a spectacular and dynamic Laser Lights Show a first for the town. And a visit by a number of famous celebrities, including Daniel O'Donnell, will truly make this a Christmas to remember.
The festivities began on Tuesday of this week when primary school children from throughout Omagh got together to launch the town's month long Christmas celebrations at a special party in the local library.
One of the town's Church leaders, Rev Robert Herron said the theme of this year's Christmas festivities had been chosen in recognition of the tragic events which occurred in Omagh in August and also to reflect the positive approaches which are being taken to rebuild the town.
He said the initiative was supported by the town's church, community and business leaders together with Omagh District Council.
"It is aimed at restoring the confidence of the Omagh people in their town as well as sending out a positive image of the community moving forward" he said.
Expanding on the theme "Darkness into Light" events co-ordinator, Seamus McAdams, of Tyrone Economic Development said "this year's festive celebrations will see a balanced blend of the traditional and the modern".
"From this regard we will have classic performances from the Dublin Boys Singers, the Belfast Harp Orchestra and a variety of carol services, all mixed together with a spectacular Laser Lights show, street entertainment and live music" he added.
The celebrations begin on November 26th with the switching on of the Christmas lights, which promises to be a memorable occasion.
A variety of well known names including Daniel O'Donnell, Dolores and Sean Keane, The Chevy's,Rock Stewart, together with the 'Voices for Peace' and Omagh Community Youth Choirs, will entertain and delight the large crowds expected.
And young visitors to the town will not be disappointed as Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule in Lapland, to make a special appearance in Omagh.
Vincent Brogan, of Omagh District Council, earlier this week issued an open invitation for everyone to come to the town over the festive season, and assured all "a warm welcome awaits you in Omagh this Christmas".
The Belfast Harp Orchestra is to give its special performance in the Leisure Centre at the end of this month.
Featuring over 25 artists, variety, versatility, excellence and professionalism are the Orchestra's key notes.
On stage, the stunning spectacle of 20 harps is accompanied by fife and lambeg drum, tin whistle, bodhran, Scottish bagpipe and Irish uilleann pipes, fiddles and concertinas, concert and wooden flutes, songs in Irish and English, set and step dancing.
In style the Orchestra could be called "New Irish"- fusing the sound of traditional, classical and rock in a medium familiar after Riverdance.
A highlight of the performance will be a piece especially written for Omagh after the tragedy in August. This will receive its premier performance in Omagh.
This event is being brought by Omagh District Council and Omagh Arts Committee to the Leisure Centre on Saturday November 28th, Tickets are £7, £5 concessions and are available from the Tourist Information Centre and at the door.
Meanwhile the Church of Ireland Theological College is to bring a special message of Advent hope to the people of Omagh next month.
The principal aim of the Dublin based college is the training of men and women, both North and South, for the ordained ministry.
Each year the ordinands and staff, together with their families and friends, hold two Advent Carol Services, one of which traditionally takes place in the North.
This year the northern venue for the service is to be St Columba's Church in Omagh. It will take place on Friday December 4th at 8pm.
The visit of the academic staff and ordinands to Omagh is an attempt by the college to show its support for the local community.
Chaplain/tutor, Norman McCausland, a former pupil at Omagh Academy said "Omagh is perhaps symbolic of the great suffering of so many in Northern Ireland over the past 30 years.
"Our visit will be one way in which we can identify not only with the suffering but with the hopes for lasting peace."
Music at the service, which will include the traditional Advent scripture readings, will be provided by a robed choir under the direction of Lorna Palmer.
It has also emerged that in January of next year John Montague, who currently holds the Ireland Chair of Poetry, will visit Omagh.
John will be giving a reading in Omagh Library, accompanied by Omagh Writers Group, and is to spend time with students from post to primary
Schools. The Arts Council for Northern Ireland has arranged the visit, whilst the poet is resident at Queen's University in Belfast.
He will arrive in Omagh on January 3rd and will read from a newly published volume of short stories.
On Friday past Presbyterian Moderator Dr John Dixon visited Omagh to meet local ministers and call with residents at Harold McCauley House.
His last visits were in the aftermath of the bombing to meet with the bereaved and injured, to directly bring the sympathy of the church to the people of Omagh, and to take part in three funerals.
On Saturday Fitzroy/Clonara inter-church group travelled to Omagh in support of the "Give a day to Omagh" campaign.