Mid Ulster Arts, Culture and Community Awards 2026 finalists announced
Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Thursday, May 21, at the Burnavon Arts Centre, Cookstown
Mid Ulster District Council is delighted to announce the shortlisted finalists for the Mid Ulster Arts, Culture and Community Awards 2026, celebrating the outstanding individuals, volunteers, groups and organisations making a real difference across the district.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the awards return to once again recognise the passion, creativity and commitment that help shape vibrant, inclusive and connected communities throughout Mid Ulster.
From grassroots initiatives to large-scale cultural programmes, the awards shine a spotlight on the people and projects enriching local life through arts, culture, volunteering and community engagement.
The Council would also like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to submit nominations. With over 100 nominations received, the response reflects the incredible depth of talent, dedication and community spirit across Mid Ulster, and we are extremely grateful to all who participated.
Speaking at the announcement, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton, said: “Building on the success of last year, we are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Arts, Culture and Community Awards. These awards highlight the incredible talent, dedication and community spirit that exists right across Mid Ulster.
"Every day, individuals and groups are going above and beyond to make a positive difference—through creativity, volunteering, inclusion and support for others. It is important that we take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contributions, and I would like to congratulate all of this year’s finalists."
The 2026 finalists are:
Arts Person of the Year
Andrew Boyd
Cathair Brady
Molly Smith
Samuel Cuddy
Diarmuid de Brún
Young Arts Person of the Year
Alice Mackle
Lucy Hawe
Erin Muldoon McCloskey
Niamh Fox
Arts Group of the Year
Dungannon Area All Stars
Coiste Forbartha Charn Tóchair / Carntogher Community Association
Stewartstown Orange Ladies Choir
Ard Bó Ceol Uirlise Group
Dungannon Choral Society
Youth Champion Award
Pomeroy District Junior Orange Lodge No. 284
Sarah Martin
Coalisland Training Services
Shane McDonald
Age Friendly Award
Lissan Over 60's
Coalisland Evergreen Club
Coalisland Community Foodbank and Hub
Kildress Wolfe Tones Friday Social
Mid Ulster Agewell
Equality & Good Relations Award
Everyone Matters SEN Group
Holy Trinity Primary School Cookstown
First Steps Women’s Centre Dungannon
St Patrick’s Primary School, Dungannon
Community Eco Award
Maghera Primary School Eco Council
SWLNRIA (South West Lough Neagh Rivers & Islands Association)
33rd Derry Ballinascreen Scouts
Donaghmore Horticultural Community
Eileen Coleman
Health & Well-Being Award
Patchwork People
Country Roads Women’s Group
Friends2Talk
Mid Ulster Wellness Association
Community Safety Award
Kildress First Responders
New Dawn Health and Wellbeing
CRAIC Theatre in partnership with Wee Yarn Productions (Cahal and Aoibh Clarke) and Actor Ronan Johnson
Community Champion Award
Anita Hurley
Trevor Lockhart
Sperrin Choir
Emma-Jane Forde
Volunteer of the Year
Patrick (PJ) McQuillan
Amy Toner
Bernie Lagan
Karen Kearney
Michael Murray
Lifetime Achievement Award
Michael (Mickey) O’Neill
Fred Og Whitehouse
Liam Ó Flannagáin
Michael (Micky) Carolan
Congratulations to all finalists. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Thursday, May 21, at the Burnavon Arts Centre, Cookstown. The evening will be hosted by local singer and presenter Malachi Cush.
For more information about the awards, go to Mid Ulster Council