News

Strabane hoping for fun in the sun at Summer Jamm Festival

29 May 2024

It’s time to save the date next month for one of the North West’s most popular celebrations as Strabane Summer Jamm returns on Saturday June 8th with a packed programme of fabulous and fun events.

The festival draws crowds from all over, with activities for people of all ages, and launching the event today, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, said: “Strabane Summer Jamm is one of those events that puts a smile on everyone’s face. It’s a great day out for all the family, with so many fun activities for the kids and plenty of entertainment for the adults too.

“The festival just takes over the entire town, attracting visitors from all over, which is great for the local economy. It’s an opportunity to really showcase Strabane and its many wonderful shops and businesses, as well as our fabulous local hospitality. The event follows on from the success of the City of Derry Jazz Festival in May, and we are also looking forward to the Foyle Maritime Festival at the end of June, so it’s a fantastic summer of celebration.”

The event is delivered in partnership with Strabane BID and the local business community is gearing up for a busy day. BID Chair, Kieran Kennedy, said: “As we begin the summer season the Strabane Summer Jamm event is a great opportunity to bring visitors to the area, and to highlight the many great products and services Strabane has to offer. There is a wonderful community spirit here in Strabane that really shines through at our events, and the town will be absolutely buzzing on the day. We look forward to welcoming people from all over the North West area.”

To really get people in the festival mood, Cullen’s funfair will be taking up residence in the Canal St Carpark with thrills and spills aplenty for all ages from Thursday June 6th before the big event itself on Saturday June 8^th.

If that’s not enough to get the adrenalin going, then head over to Castle Place where Urban Excel will get people up to speed in their Parkour play station and help them brush up on their BMX skills. Not to mention busting some moves in their break-dance workshops.

From here it’s onto Castle Street and a step back in time to the Jurassic period to visit the Baby Dino Petting Zoo where you can pet, feed and learn about various species of Baby Dinosaurs including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Triceratops, Pachycephalosaur, Brontosaurus and Parasaurolophus, and meet some of their more fearsome friends. Visitors will learn about the science behind fossils, experience a fossil dig and have the opportunity to create a fossil of their very own. 

In Your Space Circus will be spreading the fun to Abercorn Square with appearances from the warm hearted Lukey Luke, the oh so elegant Butterflies, the air band Steampunks and the hilarious Frankie Magiligan.

Pick up some new skills in the Circus workshop running from 1-3pm, followed up by the Drum Circle from 3pm - 5pm. Main Street will be a hive of activity and entertainment with live music, cute critters at the Kidz Farm, market stalls and on street animation throughout the day. The Main Stage will host a talent showcase for some of the best local musicians, with something to suit every taste.

From 1pm – 4pm the Alley Theatre will also be buzzing as the resident DJ keeps the tunes coming, while an array of creative workshops and arts and crafts will keep the kids entertained.

For more on all that’s happening throughout the day go to - www.derrystrabane.com/subsites/summer-jamm