Mid Ulster District Council has announced 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.

Finalists announced for the Mid Ulster Arts, Culture and Community Awards 2026. The winners will be at a special ceremony in The Burnavon on Thursday, May 21. Credit: Supplied

placeholder image — Finalists announced for the Mid Ulster Arts, Culture and Community Awards 2026. The winners will be at a special ceremony in The Burnavon on Thursday, May 21. Credit: Supplied

"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.

Road and lane closures in Mid Ulster for motorists to keep an eye out for in wee...

Youth Champion Award

Pomeroy District Junior Orange Lodge No. 284

Sarah Martin

Coalisland Training Services

Shane McDonald.

Age Friendly Award

Lissan Over 60s

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 the 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.