Bessy Bell & Mary Gray Ulster-Scots Festival Returns to West Tyrone

THE Bessy Bell & Mary Gray Ulster-Scots Festival will return from November 16-27, bringing together music, dance, poetry, cookery and local heritage for a varied programme of events across the area.

Organised by Derry & Raphoe Action Ltd, the festival celebrates the rich Ulster-Scots culture and traditions of West Tyrone, providing opportunities for local people to come together, enjoy familiar favourites and discover something new.

This year’s programme has something for everyone, with events taking place in Newtownstewart, Plumbridge, Drumquin and surrounding areas.

The festival gets underway with a range of activities celebrating local talent and tradition. Highlights include an Ulster-Scots Fork Supper Night in Plumbridge Orange Hall on Friday, November 20, featuring Kirlish Ulster-Scots Group, Houl Yer Weesht and Ulster-Scots poetry. On Saturday, November 21, A Night in Drumrawn promises an evening of entertainment with the Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band, Blue Thistle Highland Dancers, William Sayers and a solo piper.

Music lovers can also look forward to an Ulster-Scots Gospel Concert at Ardstraw and Baronscourt Parish Church, Newtownstewart, on Sunday , November 22, featuring guest speaker Rev George Irwin and a range of musical performers.

Somme Memorial Hall will host several events during the festival, including an afternoon of cookery, music and poetry on Wednesday, November 25, with a cookery demonstration by Kate Allison, Ulster-Scots poetry and music from the Strule River String Band.

That evening, the Omagh Protestant Boys Flute Band will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special event hosted by Kintra presenter Willie Hill, looking back over the band’s history with Bandmaster Kenny Porter and Drum Major Stacey Connor.

The programme also includes an Ulster-Scots crafts evening for children aged 7-12 and a schools choral speaking competition involving Killen Primary School and Artigarvan Primary School.

Derryfubble Accordion Band: A Proud Musical Tradition

Derryfubble Accordion Band will be among the performers at the festival finale, bringing with them a proud musical history dating back almost a century. The band’s roots go back to 1928, when Derryfubble Flute Band was formed in the countryside between Dungannon and Benburb. It was closely associated with Derryfubble LOL 49, with many band members also belonging to the lodge. In 1962, a decision was made to replace the flutes with accordions, and Derryfubble Accordion Band was born.

Over the years, the band has evolved from mainly button-key accordions to the piano accordions heard today. With more than 40 members, it has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, achieving first place in several categories at the NI Open International Accordion Band Championships. The band continues to maintain its connection with the lodge and is proud to lead its parades. For its members, Derryfubble is much more than a band, it is one big family, built on friendship, music and the enjoyment of being together.

The festival will conclude on Friday, November 27 with the much-anticipated concert and finale at Somme Memorial Hall, Newtownstewart. With Joe Graham as compere, the evening will feature Derryfubble Accordion Band, Fubble Fusion, Mountfield Pipe Band, Newtownstewart Highland Dancers and Somme Hall tutors and students, showcasing the musical and cultural talent that continues to thrive in the local community.

The festival is about more than entertainment. It provides a chance to celebrate local heritage, encourage participation across the generations and give musicians, dancers, poets and young people opportunities to share their skills and talents.

Derry & Raphoe Action Ltd would like to welcome everyone to come along, support the events and enjoy the friendly atmosphere that makes the festival such an important part of the local calendar.

For further information or to book places for events, contact Elaine on 079 0401 9483. Please see the accompanying advertisement for the full programme of events and booking details.