In mid-twentieth century Ireland, showbands were the focus of young people’s social lives. With a repertoire including the hits of the day, as well as traditional songs and standards, showbands toured the length and breadth of the island performing in every nook and cranny. For disperse rural areas, it was a much-loved escape for generations of young people looking for fun and a social outlet. 

In this video, Declan Forde presents a snapshot of the highlights of the Music Heritage Exhibition on display in Strule Arts Centre in Omagh in 2023. This exhibition comprises an overview of the showbands that visited the town. Declan offers a rundown of key bands and figures from the showband scene and shows off a selection of the exhibition’s information boards, costumes, objects and memorabilia.

• Strule Arts Centre