Virtual Summer Jamm proves big success

Derry City and Strabane District Council have thanked local people for getting involved in the first ever Virtual Summer Jamm, which took place on Saturday.

The Summer Jamm has been hosted for the last 17 years in Strabane town but was cancelled due to the restrictions to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Instead, Council hosted a virtual programme on the Alley Theatre Facebook page, which involved a video looking at the Summer Jamm and Strabane Fair through the years, and videos and images from the community showing what they have gotten up to in lockdown. 

There were 15 entries for the Summer Festival themed Tik Tok competition, while 14 people sent in videos for the busking competition. Each entry was uploaded to the Alley Theatre Facebook, with the most viewed videos named as winners.

The two TikTok Challenge victors were the Quinn family with over 4,500 views and sisters Katie and Aimee Morrison with over 4,000 views, with each winning a £25 voucher for Masala Takeaway.
The first place in the busking competition for a prize of £100 with over 18,000 views was Kris Friel and in second place with over 14,000 views was Sarah Jane Murray, who won £50.

The event was rounded out on Saturday night with a musical performance from Cash Returns.

Aeidin McCarter, Council's Head of Culture, said that while it was not the Summer Jamm everyone had hoped for the event was a fantastic success.

"The Alley Theatre has always been a hub for community arts in Strabane and the surrounding areas, and that included our annual Summer Jamm event.

"This year the programme couldn't go ahead as normal, but it was important that we found a way to promote and support community arts and culture in a different format.

"The entries for both the Tik Tok and busking competitions were excellent, and a great way to capture that Summer Jamm festival atmosphere within our own homes and make it an interactive experience for all.

"A big thanks to everyone that got involved and helped make this year's event extra special."