Omagh is preparing for its first Halloween fireworks display in seven years, with up to 8,000 people expected to attend the Hocus Focus Festival this Saturday.

The free event, centred on OASIS Plaza, will run from 6pm and feature live music, dance performances, a haunted house at Omagh Community House, and children’s activities including face painting and storytelling.

FOCUS Network Coordinator Ryan Tracey said the organisers hope to attract between 6,000 and 8,000 visitors, weather permitting. He said the primary goal was to get fireworks back in the sky and expressed optimism that this would be the first of many annual events.

The fireworks display last took place in 2019. Previous attempts to revive it were hampered by cost-of-living pressures and lack of funding. Earlier this year, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council provided £25,000 in seed funding, allowing community organisation FOCUS to secure approval for the festival.

Sean Corry of Arthur’s Bar and Marco’s said the return of fireworks would draw families into the town centre and provide a boost to local hospitality businesses.

A quiet viewing area will be available at Strule Arts Centre, which will also offer baby changing facilities and public toilets. Parking is available in town-centre car parks, but Drumragh Avenue car park will be closed for the event.