120 singers unite to celebrate Fermanagh and Tyrone’s musical heritage

AROUND 120 singers came together at the Ulster American Folk Park to celebrate the rich musical heritage of Fermanagh and Tyrone in a memorable event filled with traditional songs, storytelling and community spirit.T

The special gathering, entitled ‘Songs from Home – A Trail of Songs from the Fermanagh and Omagh District’, took place on Saturday, October 10, marking the culmination of six weeks of free singing workshops delivered across the district as part of the PEACEPLUS-funded Exploration of Our Cultural Roots through Music project.

Delivered by Dun Uladh Heritage Centre, the initiative brought people of different ages and backgrounds together to explore the songs, stories and traditions that have helped shape their local communities.

The workshops took place across six areas, with Irvinestown led by Tom Sweeney; Fermanagh House by Claire Sharkey; Harmonise Choir and friends in Dromore and Omagh by Fionnuala Colton; Sing Together Omagh by Fil Campbell; and a Makaton choir directed by Justin Logue of Move to the Beat with Justin, involving special schools Willowbridge and Arvalee.

Throughout the six-week programme, participants learned songs and discovered stories rooted in the heritage of Fermanagh and Tyrone, building friendships and sharing their love of music along the way.

The programme reached its high point at the Ulster American Folk Park, where approximately 120 singers filled the iconic attraction with music, poetry and recitations during a special song trail led by singer and presenter Malachi Cush.

Guiding a capacity audience around the park, Malachi brought local songs, stories and traditions to life as each group took its turn to perform the material they had explored during the workshops.

One of the most memorable moments came aboard the ship on Ulster Street, where all six groups united to perform together for the first time.

Their rendition of ‘Dance by Candlelight’, written by Malachi Cush, provided a fitting finale to the celebration, beautifully capturing the project's central message of bringing people together through music and shared cultural roots.

Guest musicians also joined the celebrations, adding to the atmosphere as music rang out across the Folk Park and creating a wonderful showcase of the area's living cultural heritage.

PEACEPLUS Project Officer Anne-Marie Devine said she was delighted with the success of the event and how the project had developed from an initial idea into a celebration involving so many people.

“It took months of planning, but it was something special to see the theme develop from an idea to a huge trail of old songs and stories from the local area – I’m delighted with the outcome,” she said.

The positive response from participants highlighted the value of the initiative, with many praising the friendships formed, the opportunity to learn new songs and the welcoming atmosphere created throughout the workshops.

One participant said: “It’s been wonderful to see strangers come together through music, celebrate our local songs and create such an inclusive space where everyone’s voice belongs. The final gathering was a beautiful reminder of the power of music to bring us together. Here’s hoping it happens again.”

Another participant reflected on the friendships developed during the programme, saying: “The six weeks of choir practice meeting up with other members I can now call friends was really enjoyable, such a lovely group of people.”

The opportunity to discover more about the area's musical traditions was also warmly welcomed, with one participant commenting: “It was enlightening to learn so many new songs from Fermanagh.”

Another summed up the experience simply, saying: “The whole project has been very special from beginning to end.”

The Exploration of Our Cultural Roots through Music project continues to provide opportunities for people to connect with their shared heritage, learn from one another and celebrate the traditions that make their communities distinctive.

Following the success of social dancing classes delivered in June and the Songs from Home programme, further themes are planned, including Irish and Ulster Scots music and a showband theme.

Organisers are encouraging anyone interested in getting involved to come forward and be part of the continuing project, which is using music, storytelling and inclusive participation to strengthen community connections and celebrate the rich cultural roots of Fermanagh and Tyrone.