Mid Ulster District Council has named finalists for the 2026 Arts, Culture and Community Awards. The awards recognise individuals, volunteers, groups and organisations in the district.

Councillor Frances Burton, chair of the council, stated that the awards highlight talent, dedication and community spirit in Mid Ulster. She noted that people contribute through creativity, volunteering, inclusion and support for others. Burton congratulated all finalists.

Over 100 nominations were received. The council thanked those who submitted entries.

Finalists in Arts Person of the Year are Andrew Boyd, Cathair Brady, Molly Smith, Samuel Cuddy and Diarmuid de Brún. Young Arts Person of the Year finalists include Alice Mackle, Lucy Hawe, Erin Muldoon McCloskey and Niamh Fox.

Arts Group of the Year nominees are Dungannon Area All Stars, Coiste Forbartha Charn Tóchair / Carntogher Community Association, Stewartstown Orange Ladies Choir, Ard Bó Ceol Uirlise Group and Dungannon Choral Society.

Youth Champion Award finalists consist of Pomeroy District Junior Orange Lodge No. 284, Sarah Martin, Coalisland Training Services and Shane McDonald. Age Friendly Award nominees are Lissan Over 60's, Coalisland Evergreen Club, Coalisland Community Foodbank and Hub, Kildress Wolfe Tones Friday Social and Mid Ulster Agewell.

Equality & Good Relations Award finalists include Everyone Matters SEN Group, Holy Trinity Primary School Cookstown, First Steps Women’s Centre Dungannon and St Patrick’s Primary School, Dungannon.

Community Eco Award nominees are Maghera Primary School Eco Council, SWLNRIA (South West Lough Neagh Rivers & Islands Association), 33rd Derry Ballinascreen Scouts, Donaghmore Horticultural Community and Eileen Coleman.

Health & Well-Being Award finalists are Patchwork People, Country Roads Women’s Group, Friends2Talk and Mid Ulster Wellness Association. Community Safety Award nominees include Kildress First Responders, New Dawn Health and Wellbeing, and CRAIC Theatre in partnership with Wee Yarn Productions (Cahal and Aoibh Clarke) and Actor Ronan Johnson.

Community Champion Award finalists are Anita Hurley, Trevor Lockhart, Sperrin Choir and Emma-Jane Forde. Volunteer of the Year nominees consist of Patrick (PJ) McQuillan, Amy Toner, Bernie Lagan, Karen Kearney and Michael Murray.

Lifetime Achievement Award finalists are Michael (Mickey) O’Neill, Fred Og Whitehouse, Liam Ó Flannagáin and Michael (Micky) Carolan.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 21 May 2026 at Burnavon Arts Centre in Cookstown. Malachi Cush will host the event.