COUNCIL TO HOST FLIGHT OF THE EARLS FESTIVAL!
Publish Date: Friday, 08 June 2007
COUNCIL TO HOST FLIGHT OF THE EARLS FESTIVAL!
2007 is set to be a year of commemorations right across the Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough as it marks the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls, and the beginning of the Plantation of Ulster. This occasion, recognised as a key turning point in Irish history which chartered the course of Irish history until the present day, presents a unique opportunity to acknowledge our 'Shared History and Shared Future'
In September 2007, to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the Flight of The Earls, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council will host a 'Flight of the Earls Festival' which will include a three day international economic event to celebrate Dungannon's place on the global stage. The events, which take place from 6th - 9th September, will focus on promoting the Council area as being a significant economic player on the global stage.
A 'Skills Beyond 2007' seminar will be held in East Tyrone College, Dungannon on Thursday 6th September and will showcase speakers from DEL, CBI, FAS (Ireland), Inter Trade Ireland, European Commission and also local employers. Also on 6th September, a 'Meet the Buyers' event will take place in Dungannon Leisure Centre at which 6-10 major buyers from the Public Sector will meet up with a maximum of 30 companies from the local area.
Friday 7th September sees a 'Networking the Networks' event in East Tyrone College, with a specific focus on Engineering and Energy and it is planned that several industrial groupings from across Europe will be participating. This will be followed by an International Business Gala Dinner on Castle Hill.
On Saturday 8th September - there will be a performance of Omagh born writer Brian Friel's theatre production 'Making History' which will be performed on Castle Hill. The play is based on the historic events surrounding the Flight of the Earls in 1607. On Saturday evening there will be a themed a musical event in Railway Park along with a community fun day. The finale will be a Flight of the Earls themed Pageant and Fire sculpture which will culminate in an extravaganza in Market Square.
On Sunday 9th September the Flight of the Earls Festival will conclude with an Interfaith Choir Service on Castle Hill. This event will bring together people from different faiths and creeds and will unite the community through the celebration of song.
Mayor of Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Cllr Barry Montheith welcomes the prospect of such high quality events:
'The events offer the Borough an opportunity to showcase it's economy, community and cultural diversity and environment. We want everyone regardless of colour, clan or creed to feel part of the celebrations. Some come along and enjoy 2007 and be part of it'
Castle Hill
After being awarded a grant of £2.2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council is currently in the process of developing and interpreting Castle Hill as a heritage park; repairing and preserving the famous twin towers on the site; and converting Ranfurly House into a new cultural and exhibition centre which will tell Castle Hill's rich and turbulent history.
Castle Hill, in the centre of Dungannon, occupies a special place in the history of Ireland as it was the major stronghold of the Gaelic 'Kings of Ulster' between the 14th and 17th century. Following the Flight of the Earls and the demise of the O'Neill stronghold in Ireland, Castle Hill became site of the grand 18th Century townhouse of George Knox, a Scot who was gifted the town and lands of Dungannon following the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century.
Events
Almost 60 events are planned to mark Dungannon 2007. For further information on the developments at Castle Hill and the Dungannon 2007 commemorations, please contact Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council on 028 8772 0300 or keep up to date online by visiting Dungannon and South Tyrone at www.dungannon.gov.uk
