Omagh Festival wins prestigious tourism award

Press release:


The Ulster American Folk Park has been awarded one of the most prestigious accolades at this year's Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. The popular Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival scooped Event of the Year at the biggest night in the tourism calendar. The award, which was sponsored by Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Norfolk line Irish Sea Ferry Services, was presented to Peter Kelly, Head of Museum Services, and Richard Hurst, Visitor Services Manager, in front of over 350 industry representatives at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

Now in its 15th year, the Annual Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside North America, with over 8,000 attending last year's musical extravaganza. The festival has become an annual pilgrimage for bluegrass fans throughout the world and features many of the biggest names on the international bluegrass scene.

Peter Kelly, Head of Museum Services, was delighted with the success and was keen to use the opportunity to thank all the people who make the event possible each year. 'This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff. We are elated that their commitment has been recognised in this way. We remain exceptionally grateful to all our sponsors who have helped ensure the growth of this event over the past 15 years. Winning "Event of the Year" will greatly boost the profile of the festival and help us to continue to attract performers and event partners of the highest calibre.'

Judges felt that the Bluegrass Festival was very much in line with Northern Ireland Tourist Board's winning theme, 'Excellent Events', and more than fulfilled criteria relating to extending the tourism season, creative packaging and efficient marketing activity. One judge commented: 'This is a quality festival planned out of season and growing in a sustainable manner'.

The winners of this years 28th Northern Ireland Tourism awards were chosen from more than one hundred entries and for Richard Hurst, Visitor Services Manager, this fact made winning extra special. 'We are delighted that our Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival has been awarded this level of recognition. To be acknowledged as the premier tourism event in Northern Ireland is very rewarding and we are particularly thrilled to be given this appreciation from the tourism industry whose high standards we continually strive to maintain.'

Speaking at the presentations, NITB chairman Tom McGrath said: 'Excellence of product and excellence of service are now the norm rather than the exception and the tourism awards provide the means by which we recognise that excellence and reward those efforts. I congratulate all the winners and commended entries.'

The Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival runs over three days and features a range of attractions including the 'Bluegrass in the Park' outdoor musical performances and three major evening concerts in the festival marquee. This year's event will take place from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd September with a host of international and award-winning artists already booked including Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (USA), the Wilders (USA), Roll's Boys (Czech Republic), and the Buffalo Gals (UK). Tickets are on sale for the 2006 event, so for further information or to purchase tickets please contact 02882243292 or visit the Park website.

For further information contact Paula Donnelly on 02882 256324 or by e-mail.