Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council Deputy Mayor Robert Mulligan, Swing Gal founder Karen Kirby and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council Mayor Sean McGuigan take centre stage to launch this year’s FestiveHill13 line-up at Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre in Dungannon. The week-long festival kicks-off on Saturday 21st September w

DUNGANNON and South Tyrone Borough Council will host the region’s biggest-ever entertainment event it confirmed today with details of this year’s FestiveHill13 at Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre.

Now in its second year, the week-long festival kicks-off on Saturday 21st September with a family-friendly calendar of live music, fashion and much more.

Organised in partnership with Dungannon Regeneration Partnership and Dungannon Traders Association, FestiveHill13 boasts an unrivalled programme of activities that span across the town and features the very best of local talent and seasoned performers.

Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, Councillor Sean McGuigan said the event offered people a chance to get a real flavour of what the Borough has to offer.

“Festive Hill is back this year even bigger and better with a range of top drawer entertainment. This is one of the most exciting civic festivals in the province and the very best way to experience and celebrate the fantastic style, hospitality and diversity of the Borough.

“Whether you are a fan of busking, fashion or swing bands then this year’s festival line-up has something to offer everyone.”

The Mayor added: “We’ve worked hard with our partners to develop the programme and make it easy for people to come along and get involved. In the historic Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre we have a stunning centre point that reflects the character of the region. It’s an ideal location and everyone should get involved in the festivities.”

The FestiveHill13 programme kicks off on Saturday 21st September and will include the unique Brass Band Busking competition which challenges local brass bands to entertain shoppers in the town centre with its wide range of independent retailers.

There is also a FREE family fun day on 21st September with a mini Lords and Ladies fancy dress, ‘bug hunt’ in the wild-flower garden, and much more.

A Gala Concert, ‘Harmony on the Hill’, takes place on Tuesday 24 September in aid of Cancer Choices featuring Paul Hughes and his band and other local artists.

Hot-foot it to the Heels on the Hill Fashion Show on Wednesday 25 th September and enjoy a catwalk extravaganza jam-packed with all this season’s latest trends hosted by former Miss Northern Ireland Joanne Salley.

Meanwhile country music king, Jimmy Buckley, will take to the stage to perform well-known hits with his band on Thursday 26th September.

Balmoral Big Band, Ireland’s number one big swing band, will lead the ‘Swing Bands on the Hill’ on Friday 27th September alongside all-girl vocal troupe The Swing Gals and guest appearance from Karl McGuckin and Jim McKeown.

The annual Dungannon Gannonball Run returns for a sixth outing on 28th September with dare-devils lining out on one of Ireland’s most original and colourful soap box races ready to give the new course a run for its money!

For details on these events and other FestiveHill13 events and ticket information please visit http://www.dungannon.info or Facebook: www.facebook.com/DungannonArtsandVisitor

Twitter: @DungannonArts.

Event Guide Snapshot

Saturday 21st September

Free Brass Band Busking Competition from 2pm, town centre

Free Family fun day on the Hill, 2-6pm

Monday 23rd September

Glamour and Glitz Galore Business Awards supported by Local Woman Magazine, 8pm Hill of The O’Neill, Tickets £40

Tuesday 24th September

Gala Concert, Harmony on the Hill, in aid of Cancer Choices, 8pm, Tickets £10

Wednesday 25th September

Fashion Show ‘Heels on the Hill’, 7.30pm, Tickets £8

Thursday 26th September

Country on the Hill with Jimmy Buckley, 8pm, Tickets £12

Friday 27th September

Swing Music on the Hill with Balmoral Big Band, 8pm, Tickets £10

Saturday 28th September

The very best of Local Rock Bands with ‘Rock on the Hill’, 2pm,-9.30pm, Free

The Hagans Bar Gannonball Run- Dungannon Annual Soap Box Race, starting 6.30pm