COUNTDOWN TO FLIGHT OF THE EARLS FESTIVAL
Publish Date: Tuesday, 24 July 2007
The countdown has begun to the much anticipated Flight of the Earls Festival. The Festival, which is taking place from 6th - 9th September to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls, will feature a series of events which will focus on the shared future of the people in Dungannon & South Tyrone and the exciting prospects that lie ahead both socially and economically.
The Festival kicks off on Thursday 6th September with a Skills Beyond 2007 Seminar in East Tyrone College aimed at employers, trade union officials and training providers to promote skills and training services in the North of Ireland and also to highlight the importance of a well trained and well motivated workforce. The forum, presented by BBC's Donna Traynor, will include guest speakers from DEL, Dunbia, Inter Trade Ireland, East Tyrone College and the European Commission Office.
A 'Meet the Buyers' event will take place in Dungannon Leisure Centre on Thursday 6th September at which major buyers from the Public Sector will meet with up to 30 companies from the local area, focusing on promoting Dungannon & South Tyrone as being a significant economic player on the global stage and encouraging both trade and business to business relationships. This will also provide an excellent opportunity to showcase local business services and products to potential buyers.
On the evening of Friday 7th September, the Mayor of Dungannon & South Tyrone, Cllr Barry Monteith will be present at the official opening of Castle Hill and this will be followed by the opportunity for local people to experience this amazing site which has been closed to public access for hundreds of years.
On the afternoon of Saturday 8th September, 'Rock the Park' will take place in Railway Park, with many local bands, musicians and DJ's contributing to a concert for the youth as well as kids entertainment.
In the evening, 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. This will be followed by street entertainment and live music from More Power To Your Elbow as well as a host of other artists in Market Square. The finale will be a Flight of the Earls themed Pageant and pyrotechnics display which will culminate in a fireworks extravaganza in Market Square.
On Sunday 9th September the Flight of the Earls Festival will conclude with 'Hymns of Harmony' on Castle Hill. This Interfaith Choir Service will bring together people from different faiths and creeds and will unite the community through the celebration of song.
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 8600 or keep up to date online by visiting Dungannon and South Tyrone at www.dungannon.gov.uk
