Dungannon, all together better

Opening this autumn, the new Ranfurly Arts and Visitor Centre will be the main gateway to the historic Hill of The O’Neill.

Situated at the centre of the town of Dungannon on Market Square, this new visitor attraction has been created with £5.5m of investment from Heritage Lottery, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council.

The centre will also feature a new arts centre and facility that will benefit the many arts and cultural groups based in the Dungannon and South Tyrone area and building on an already excellent mid Ulster theatre tradition that has been established through the nearby Bardic and Craic Theatres.

Gannonball Run Lights up

The crowds made their way to Dungannon’s Market Square and Irish Street on a Saturday evening to witness all the fun of the first evening Gannonball Run!!

With soapboxes of all shapes and sizes, family fun and street entertainment, the gathered crowds were not disappointed with plenty of action and hair raising festive fun.

Live commentary kept the crowds entertained with fast-paced action as soapboxes scuttled down a specially made race track from Market Square to Irish Street.

Local personalities from across the borough joined in the action as they raced for a charity of their choice.

Our local personality from Kickboxing in Dungannon, Staurt Kirk, proudly owned this race, with £100 being donated to Cochlear Implant Centre.

Mayor of Dungannon, Councillor Pheilm Gildernew, enjoyed the event and said: “It was good to see Dungannon bustling with activity and everyone having fun. I would like to compliment the partnership approach between all organisers on this unique and exciting event to Dungannon.

“I hope all those who came along on the evening enjoyed it and I look forward to next year’s Gannonball Run for more soapboxes and surprises!”

Competitors can read their individual times by clicking on www.gannonballrun.com

Councillor Walter Cuddy, Chair of the Gannonball Organising Committee, was once again delighted with the success of the event. He said:

“The soapbox designers excelled once again with their imaginative creations, which were enjoyed by fellow competitors and spectators alike.

“We had entries from individuals, businesses, community organisations and groups of friends who let their creativity flow with colour, charisma and chaotic designs! Credit goes to everyone involved, including the competitors, spectators and sponsors.”

The Gannonball Run is organised by Dungannon Regeneration Partnership and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council in association with Dungannon Enterprise Centre, First Wave Design, STEP, Dungannon Traders Association, Dungannon and District Motorcycling Club and Dungannon Motor Club.

HEELS ON THE HILL FASHION FRENZY

Autumn fashion reached new heights in Dungannon at the Heels on the Hill fashion show on Tuesday 25 September when over 20 high street and independent retailers took their wares to the catwalk in a spectacular runway show. 

The event was part of Festive Hill - a week-long celebration that previews Northern Ireland’s newest arts and tourist attractions: Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre , both of which officially open to the public on 24th October 2012.

The fashion show was hosted by former Miss Northern Ireland and the ever-chic Dungannon native Joanne Salley with an appearance from Tyrone Rose Catherine Sherry and even a surprise performance from the O’Neill singers.

Over 400 women came together to watch the show in the glamorous setting of the hilltop marquee, whilst sipping on a complimentary Appletiser and specially home-made shortbread in the shape of a shoe by Café Latte.

Women from Dungannon and across County Tyrone sat back, relaxed and watched some of Ireland’s top models show off Dungannon’s fashion retailers’ autumn and winter collections.

Local hairdressers from Orla’s Hair Design and Hello Gorgeous took to the stage to give their top styling tips for the season, while ladies who love preening and pampering received expert advice on skin care regimes and make up trends from Laura at Beauty Within.

NATHAN CARTER comes to Dungannon

On a wet Monday night, the weather did not stop the crowds that came to enjoy Nathan Carter on stage as part of the Festive Hill events being held at the Hill of the O’Neill.

People came from far and near to enjoy the evening that started with performances by local artists Brian Mills and the O’Neill Sisters, followed by Wild Flowers before the star of the show Nathan Carter came on stage.

The sound of music spilled out as Nathan and his musicians played a variety of instruments including trumpets and horns as well as more roosty instruments such as the mandolin and accordion giving a very rich sound to each song.

Overall this was a great event for fans of Nathan and Dungannon.

For more information about the shopping in Dungannon, visit: www.dungannonlife.com and www.dungannon.info for information on the new arts and visitor attractions opening in October.