In an event that holds the ambition to be as big as the North West Championships in Derry, the West Tyrone Feis will be making its first appearance at the Alley Theatre, Strabane this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13).

The quality of entrants into this event are expected to be very high as dancers aged from three years up to the over 20s, battle it out in various competitions. On display will be the cream of Irish dancers from Ulster with six world champions expected to be performing including the wonderful Megan Ryan and fantastic Codie Shields.

Several dancers will be using this event as the last serious dance contest before heading to the North American finals which is to be held in Ottawa on July 4. It is anticipated that over 750 dancers will be taking part in this event, that has serious long term plans to develop and showcase the very best of Irish dance within West Tyrone.

Nathan Flatman, marketing officer for the Alley Arts and Conference Centre, stated, "The Alley is delighted to be hosting such a colourful and competitive event which will be the pinnacle of many dancers' careers. We hope that all the dancers enjoy their day at the Alley and hope that their hard work and skills will be an inspiration to others to participant in dance and in the arts.

"I am sure members of the public, parents and relatives will be delighted to see their children, friends or relatives on stage in this state of the art facility."

Irish dance schools associated to An Commission have been contacted about the event to submit competitors, which is free to watch for members of the public. The event will be starting at 9am on Saturday and Sunday, with both days expected to run into the late afternoon.

For further information please contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444.