WITH less than two weeks to go, Strabane is getting ready to party as ‘Summer Jamm’ comes to Strabane from 9th to 11th June, bringing the best of rock, pop, country, Irish folk and entertainment to the fun family festival.
Organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the three day event is supported by SGN Natural Gas and the Strabane Business Improvement District (BIDS) and has everything from music, dance, fun fair and street art in the packed programme of events.
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock said the event is designed to appeal to everyone, especially families.
She added, “This is a fun festival that has grown over the years and been enjoyed by not only our local residents but by hundreds of visitors that now travel to be part of it.
“As part of the Strabane Summer Jamm celebrations, the market will be returning to the town centre on Friday 9th June from 11.00am to 4.00pm so there will be a wide array of quality products available, including hand knitted children’s designs, award winning food producers, arts and crafts, cards and books, antiques and tasty treats. It is not to be missed.”
On Saturday you will see circus shows/street acts, Samba/African drumming, face painting, birds of prey, arts and crafts, and carnival fun fair complimenting a weekend of musical performances, busking and big stage concerts, Strabane is preparing itself for its biggest festival yet.
“We have a first class music line up with literally music on every street corner” said Jacqueline Whoriskey, Festival and Events Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council.
“Summer Jamm is a terrific family event, the programme has grown this year as a result of its popularity and the festival will run over three days. It is jam packed with activities from the Friday to Sunday evening.
“We have concerts on Friday evening with brass bands at the Alley Theatre, top acts like The Blizzards performing at the Strabane BIDS Saturday evening concert and a big country music festival on Sunday with Cliona Hagan, David James and Johnny Brady to round off the weekend.
“We have lots of family fun planned, including the arrival of Babcock and Bobbins – comedic circus performers who will have you in stitches with their antics and in awe of their juggling, fire breathing and stilt walking skills.
“CBeebies Patrick Lynch is also part of the programme. He will use a pioneering mix of live cinema and theatre.
“With miniature sets, lights and cameras he will create a thrilling ride across the magical world of ancient Greece, showing its famous battles, floating islands, one-eyed giants and angry Gods that make up Ulysees’ 20 year struggle to get back home.”
The festival will have music at its core, with a variety of Strabane bands, ‘Jazz Gazette’, The ‘Wailin Banshee’s’, Glen Harkin and singers from Holy Cross but will also have lots of free events and activities for children and people of all ages.
A Carnival Fun Fair will be situate at Butcher Street Carpark and will include Bouncy Castles, Soft Play areas, a Kids Centre, Chair o Planes, Kids Rides, Trampolines, a Vortex Tunnel and much more.
For more information and to book tickets for all the Summer Jamm events visit www.derrystrabane.com/SummerJamm or contact the Alley Theatre Box Office. Telephone 028 7138 4444.
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