Bears, bunting, and Bible stories: Ballinamallard's unique teddy bear festival
The quiet village of Ballinamallard was bustling today (Friday) with excited visitors attending the much-anticipated Teddy Bear Festival.
Inside Magheracross Parish Church, colourful bunting adorned the walls, and beside each church pew stood an exhibit, a Bible story brought to life through teddy bears.
Paws for thought: Bears bring bible to life in Ballinamallard
From bears studying the Bible to reenacting the Christmas story, communities across Fermanagh have united to create this remarkable festival, featuring almost 400 bears.
The festival includes 28 installations, one of which is displayed in Ballinamallard's Archdale Hall: The Teddy Bear's Picnic, created by the Ballinamallard Craft Class.
At the Archdale Hall, tea served on delicate tea sets and cakes accompanied by pasties will be available for festival attendees.
One of the displays features a large bear donated by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Rev. Dr Ian Ellis, covered in an array of bear-themed ties provided by hotelier Joe Mahon.
The Teddy Bear Festival was organised by Valerie McMorris and her husband, Howard McMorris, and Rev. Lorraine Capper. With the support of people and organisations across the Fermanagh community.
The festival was officially opened by the Right Rev. Dr Ian Ellis, accompanied by a performance from the Ballinamallard Primary School choir and a live piano recital by Ruth Coulter.
Leading the choir was Principal Christina McEldowney. The children sang Teddy Bears' Picnic, The Bare Necessities, and Seek Ye First with a spiritual twist, enhancing the atmosphere of the event.
The festival will be open from Friday through Sunday, featuring many musical performances throughout the weekend, including the Silvertones Male Voice Choir, who will close the festival on Sunday at 5 pm.
For more information on the teddy bear festival, visit the Magheracross Parish Church Facebook page: https://tinyurl.com/magheracross
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