It's Our Time to Shine!
A border town at the edge of the UK and Europe, Strabane has been shaped by partition, conflict and change. Our community has carried the weight of the past, yet we have never lost our resilience, creativity or sense of hope.
Once one of Europe's most heavily bombed towns, Strabane has always found strength in its people. Through music, storytelling, humour and the arts, culture has been a lifeline—bringing people together, preserving our heritage and inspiring new generations.
Today, with renewed ambition and investment, we are reimagining our future as a Town of Hope. We believe culture has the power to heal, connect communities, celebrate our unique identity and create opportunities for everyone.
From a place shaped by borders, we are building something that belongs to everyone. This is our opportunity to be seen, to celebrate our people and places, and to share Strabane's story with the world.
We are delighted that Strabane has been shortlisted for the Town of Culture competition 2028. This achievement recognises the passion, creativity and determination of our communities, artists, organisations and partners who have come together to shape an inspiring vision for the future.
Being shortlisted is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning. Together, we look forward to the next stage of the journey and to continuing to showcase everything that makes Strabane a vibrant, welcoming and culturally rich place to live, work, visit and create.