The Patrician Hall has hosted thousands of music, drama and cultural events and welcomed many more people since first opening its doors in 1962. 

It is a place rich in heritage that can lay claim to having hosted many local-turned-world-famous stars including Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, Brian Friel and Seamus Heaney. 

Funding of £4,500 has been secured from HLF for the new project by Mid Ulster Community and Arts Trust. The project will help celebrate more than 50 years of the Patrician with the creation of a permanent photographic exhibition that will be displayed both outside and inside the building. 

[quote=Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan]“We are delighted that National Lottery players’ money is helping to celebrate the Patrician, its legacy and rich heritage.”[/quote]

Volunteers will search the Hall’s own archive, local newspapers and the library to identify suitable images that tell the history of the building. Members of the local community will also be invited to workshops where they can submit their own images as well as memories for use in the exhibition. A booklet will be produced to commemorate this heritage and share it with the wider community.

Commenting on the award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “For more than 50 years the Patrician Hall has been at the centre of cultural activities in Carrickmore. It is run by the community for the community which makes its diverse programme of arts and culture all the more impressive.

"We are delighted that National Lottery players’ money is helping to celebrate the Patrician, its legacy and rich heritage."