FESTIVAL Lough Erne returns in September following last year’s hiatus as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The festival, which is a celebration of our beautiful lakelands and the extensive local products available in the area, is returning for a sixth year and for the first time will run for a week from September 12-19 at locations across the Lough Erne system, and the wider Fermanagh lakelands destination.

The programme will include activities both water- and land-based, to include wellbeing events, lough shore walks, webinar talks, heritage events and food and beverage experiences.

Smaller pre-bookable group activities to ensure compliance with Covid restrictions currently in place will all be available as part of the festival.

Speaking at the launch of Festival Lough Erne 2021, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, said: “The Council is committed to working with other key stakeholders across the statutory, business, community and voluntary sectors to make our district an excellent place to live, work and visit.

“I am delighted that the Council, in partnership with other key stakeholders, has, once again undertaken to bring Festival Lough Erne to the public.

“Festival Lough Erne has in previous years proved to have been a wonderful vehicle to showcase our superb waterways and the quality of our local offering, and I am confident that this year’s festival, boasting a new and much wider programme [of events], will be equally successful.

“The full programme of activities is currently being finalised and will be unveiled in the next few weeks. However, with a renewed interest in our waterways and the great outdoors and the appeal of staycations, there is certain to be something for everyone.”

Due to existing restrictions in place to help curb the spread of Covid-19, it will be necessary to pre-book activities and events.

For further information, see the festival website at www.festivallougherne.com, and check for updates on the festival’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as looking out for the #FestErne tag on social media platforms.