Mid-Ulster District Council Celebrates Arts, Culture and Community Excellence at Prestigious Awards Ceremony

Mid Ulster District Council hosted a remarkable evening celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of over 120 nominated organisations at their inaugural Mid Ulster Arts, Culture, and Community Awards ceremony last night at The Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown.

The awards recognised the outstanding contribution that people from the Mid Ulster area and the role that they have played, in encouraging people to benefit from the power of the Arts, Cultural activities, and Community Service over the previous 12 months throughout our excellent district.

IN PICTURES: Council's Arts, Culture and Community award winners celebrated

Hosted by Local Personality Malachi Cush and Council Chair, Councillor Eugene McConnell, the event drew over 300 attendees from across the district, making it a truly memorable and inspiring evening!

The Mid Ulster Arts, Culture, and Community Awards ceremony honoured excellence across a diverse range of twelve categories, and the winners on the night were:

Arts Person of the Year: Zara Devlin

Young Arts Person of the Year: Blaithín McCourt

Arts Group of the Year: Craic Art Theatre

Youth Champion of the Year: Anna Gamble

Age Friendly Award: Ballinderry Community Hub - Friday Club

Equality and Good Relations Award: Gathered Voices Choir

Community Eco Award: St. Colm’s High School Eco Club

Health and Well-being Award: STEPS Mental Health Ballinascreen

Community Safety Award: Mid-Ulster Community First Responders

Community Champion Award: Carol Doey

Volunteer of the Year Award: Jeffery Lamont BEM

Lifetime Achievement Award: Des Keenan

Chair of the Council Eugene McConnell presented the winners with their trophies on the night and told us: ""We are immensely proud to host the Mid Ulster Arts, Culture and Community Awards ceremony last night in the fabulous surroundings of The Burnavon Theatre, recognising the remarkable achievements and contributions of our local community.

"It is a night dedicated to celebrating the incredible talent, dedication, and passion that make Mid Ulster such a vibrant and inspiring place to live, work, and create. Tonight marks a special occasion, not only because we gather to celebrate excellence in areas of Arts, Culture, and Community, but because we are witnessing the inaugural event of its kind.

"At Mid Ulster District Council, we are immensely proud to support and champion the arts, recognising their power to connect us, tell our stories, and enrich our lives. These awards serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many and to the impact that creativity and community spirit have on all of us."

The Mid Ulster District Council Arts, Culture & Community Awards are all about recognising those individuals and groups who make a real difference in our communities.

These awards are a way for us to say "Thank you" to those who inspire, uplift, and strengthen the fabric of our district—whether through the arts, cultural initiatives, or their tireless work in supporting and enriching community life.

The Council remains committed to supporting and promoting Arts, Culture, and Community activities across the Mid Ulster District and looks forward to continuing to celebrate excellence in this field in the years to come.