Arts, Crafts & Traditions

The Lough Neagh Partnership allocated some of the Strategic Fund to be used for promoting traditional arts and crafts, adding value to local produce and assisting traditional industries on the Lough. The aim was to promote social activities, keep unique traditions alive and help local craft businesses.

Traditional Willow Weaving Classes
Five primary schools in the south Lough Neagh area have developed a traditional craft training programme. Pupils at the schools are being taught the ancient osier craft of willow weaving thanks to a Partnership grant. This project was carried out in partnership with St. Patrick’s, Derrymacash, Ardmore Primary, St. Mary’s, Derrytrasna, Birches Primary and St. Mary’s, Maghery.
















Maghery Traditional Music Workshops
The Maghery Traditions Group was funded by the Partnership to develop music workshops to train young people and other participants in traditional musical instruments. This will encourage the development of traditional music in the area.

 

 














 

Woodland Sculptures on Ram’s Island
The River Bann and Lough Neagh Association have hired an artist to create sculptures from the wood left over from the tree surgery on Ram’s Island through funding from the Partnership. These are now exhibited on the island and reflect the history and nature of the area.

Lough Neagh Heritage Boats
This was a very innovative project which preserved traditional boating skills and promoted local boating heritage. Only two local men were left with the skills for building these boats before this project started! The Lough Neagh Heritage Boating Association successfully trained over 15 people and restored two traditional Lough Neagh boats. A second phase of funding was provided for more equipment and materials. This project was carried out in partnership with Lough Neagh Heritage Boating Association and Awards for All.

Arts in the Wetlands
The South Lough Neagh Regeneration Association received funding for a major arts sculpture trail along the Lough Neagh Cycleway. This involved local people and contributed to the development of local townlands and the Loughshore Trail. It will actively encourage local people to understand and interpret their local landscape through art. This project was carried out in partnership with South Lough Neagh Regeneration Association, ACNI Lottery and Craigavon Borough Council.