The usually tranquil riverbanks of the scenic Strule, in County Tyrone will be the lively setting on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September for Fish Fest, a major all-new angling event staged by Strabane District Council.
Organised in partnership with the Loughs Agency, and funded through Axis 3 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the event at Vaughan’s Holm, Newtownstewart, offers two days packed with free family-friendly entertainment centred around fly tying and casting demonstrations, youth angling workshops and competitions, and general fun day activities. Billed as the premier angling event to be held in the North West this year, the Fish Fest programme has been specially designed to appeal to novices and nature-lovers as well as providing high quality opportunities and experiences for those who are already expert anglers.
Two of the big draws for angling fans will be live tutorials from Scott Mackenzie from Scotland, who is 3 times World Spey Casting Champion; and Trond Syrstad from Norway. As an AAPGAI-qualified casting instructor (Association of Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors), with some twenty-two years experience as a full time ghillie on some of the best salmon rivers in Scotland, Scott is perfectly positioned to give expert advice and insight. While Trond is one of the world’s most high profile and best respected flycasters.Angling enthusiasts will be able not only to see them live in action as they give casting demonstrations, but will also have the opportunity to chat face-to-face about the ‘ones that got away’.
Councillor Dan Kelly, Chairman of Strabane District Council, is enthusiastic about the net gains which Fish Fest will bring to the region. Announcing details of the programme, he said; “We have some superb angling in this part of the country and the sport is not only much enjoyed by locals, but is also a significant element of our tourism development strategy. Fish Fest has been created not only to support that strategy but also to encourage community engagement and highlight the importance of conservation.
“Fish Fest will provide those who already love angling with excellent opportunities to broaden their experience and perhaps identify new fishing locations to enjoy, while novices will enjoy a friendly introduction to angling. For everyone who comes along there is the opportunity to enjoy a fabulous, fun-filled event by the banks of one of the most scenic river stretches in the country!
“Our vision is that Fish Fest will develop further and that each year the event will move to showcase a new fishing location in the region. Ultimately we expect this event will attract angling fans and their families from far and near to enjoy our beautiful part of the country, bringing a welcome boost to the local hospitality industry during their visit.”
Lionel Knobbs, Angling Development Manager for the Loughs Agency concurs, saying, “Angling is as much an art as it is a sport, offering participants an attractive, relaxing lifestyle. We’re enthusiastic about this innovative new event as a platform from which to raise awareness of the local opportunities to enjoy the sport. The event will also offer us plenty of scope to teach and refresh techniques for fly fishing, casting rods, knot making and rig making as well as helping to educate young people on everything from water quality and fish habitat to the technique of catch and release and licensing requirements. Visitors will also learn about marine biology, water safety and entomology, all in a wonderfully relaxed and scenic setting.”
In addition to angling experiences, which feature a Youth Zone showcasing great opportunities for kids to have a go, Fish Fest will also feature zorbing and archery.
This project has been funded through Axis 3 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which is administered locally by ARC North West and Strabane District Council.
Fish Fest takes place at Vaughan’s Holm, Newtownstewart on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September, from 10am on Saturday and from 11am on Sunday through to 4pm each day. For further event details keep an eye on www.facebook.com/fishfest2014 or call Ashleigh Devine on 028 7138 2204. For accommodation information contact Strabane TIC on 028 7138 4444.
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