Cultural Trip to 19th Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival

Nearly 70 people from toddlers through to senior citizens, from all over County Armagh attended the 19th Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Festival in the Ulster-American Folk Park , Omagh on Saturday 4th September 2010.

Dr Charles Neville, of the Ulster-Scots Community Network gave a presentation on the Plantation of Ulster (from 1610) and how thousands of people from Scotland and England moved across the Irish Sea to live in Ulster during the reign of King James the First. From 1642 there was a steady stream of emigration from Ulster to America which continued during the late 17th and 18th centuries due to poverty and famine. From 1710-1775 over 200,000 people emigrated from Ulster to America. Then from 1815 to 1899 almost 2 million left Ulster bound for America as a result of famine. The Ulster settlers had siginificant impact in the New World and soon many began to occupy positions of power. As many settled across the South of America with a large concentration in the Appalachian regions this gave rise to Bluegrass Music. Dr Neville also gave everyone a folder with information leaflets on Famous Ulster-Scots Americans and the work of the Ulster-Scots Community Network. The morning's weather didn't start out in our favour but following the stop-off in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh we arrived at the Ulster American Folk Park as the rain eased off. We had an opportunity to visit the houses and exhibition as well as listen to the various artists throughout the Folk Park. This gave members who attend Ulster-Scots music classes an ideal opportunity to see how their interest in traditional music is the same as many ancestors.

This event provided the ideal opportunity to network with other attendees from throughout the county but also to educate all on the relevant history of our ancestors. Everyone welcomed a cup of tea before returning home. Many agreed that this was a great day with something for everyone.