SHOPPERS and diners in Omagh will get a live sample of top-class Appalachian and Bluegrass music tomorrow afternoon (Friday) as visiting acts for the festival concerts play in venues across the town.

The award-winning Sunny Side Band from the Czech Republic will play their unique brand of Bill Munro class Bluegrass at Rue bar and restaurant in the town centre from 1-2pm.

Out at the Silverbirch Hotel on the Gortin Road guests will enjoy the sounds of the Boxcar Preachers from Austin, Texas, providing what the five-piece group describes as "the darker side of old-timey/string band music."

Paula Donnelly of the Ulster American Folk Park said, "The festival will begin at the park on Friday evening and that will be the focus of the weekend's entertainment.

However, the music will be heard in the town at lunchtime.

"A lot of people will be on their break from work and will get the opportunity to hear it. It will give a flavour of the festival which will begin later at the Folk Park with the music there for the rest of the weekend."

In keeping with the tradition of recent years, Bluegrass and Gospel music will also be played at several churches around Omagh on Sunday morning.

The Lovell Sisters with their innovative fusion of country, folk and contemporary acoustic music will play at St Columba's Church in Omagh at 10.30am. Another American group, The Malpass Brothers, will bring their unique brand of vintage and country gospel music to the Scared Heart Church in the town beginning at 9.45am.

Paula added, "It will be a wonderful opportunity for churchgoers and visitors to the various hostelries to experience a flavour of the festival. I am sure it will be a very pleasant surprise for many of them."