Overview
Burnavon Arts Centre sits on Burn Road in the heart of Cookstown. It is Mid‑Ulster’s flagship venue for live performance, visual arts and community learning, and forms part of County Tyrone’s vibrant network of galleries that includes Gallery One and the Irish Linen Centre in Lisburn. The purpose‑built hub houses a 350‑seat auditorium, a permanent craft shop, a rotating gallery and a state‑of‑the‑art Visitor Information Centre, making it a compact yet lively cultural experience for locals and tourists alike.
History & Background
Opened in the early 2000s, Burnavon was conceived as a community‑driven response to the lack of a dedicated arts venue in County Tyrone. Funded by public bodies and private donors, the centre replaced a modest community hall on Burn Road. Its modern glass façade blended with traditional stonework, reflecting the region’s mix of contemporary ambition and historic roots. Since its inauguration the venue has earned accolades such as the Autism NI Impact Award and WorldHost Business Recognition. Management is led by Manager Tony McCance, supported by Technical Officer Roy Stewart, Marketing Officer Kate Keys and Administrator Caroline Sheehy.
Awards & Recognition
Burnavon’s commitment to inclusive, high‑quality programming has been recognised nationally. It received the Autism NI Impact Award for its autism‑aware staff training and facilities, and the WorldHost Business Recognition for excellence in visitor experience. These awards underline the centre’s role as a welcoming, family‑friendly venue.
Community Partnerships
The centre works closely with a range of local organisations:
- Dungannon & Cookstown Camera Club – partnered for the Beyond the Lens photography exhibition (March 2024).
- Mid Ulster District Council – hosts the annual Mid Ulster Arts, Culture & Community Awards ceremony each autumn.
- Local schools and youth groups – run regular workshops in Irish language, pottery, textile dyeing and seasonal art projects.
- Craft makers and artisans – supply the on‑site craft shop, ensuring a strong link to regional craft traditions.
These collaborations keep Burnavon at the heart of Cookstown’s cultural life and provide pathways for emerging artists.
Recent & Upcoming Events
- Beyond the Lens (March 2024) – a photography exhibition curated by the Dungannon and Cookstown Camera Club, showcasing work from local photographers.
- Christmas Projection – each December a festive message is projected onto the centre’s façade, creating a seasonal focal point for the town (We Are Tyrone).
- Mid Ulster Arts, Culture & Community Awards – nominations open in spring; the ceremony takes place in autumn, celebrating local creativity.
- Live programme – weekly music, comedy, theatre, dance and Irish‑language nights continue throughout the year. Check the current listings on the official website.
What to See & Do
Live Performances
- Music & Comedy – Wednesday to Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM, featuring artists from folk singer‑songwriter Cliona Hagan to country legend Philomena Begley and the Tullylagan Pipe Band.
- Theatre & Drama – Professional productions share the stage with school and community theatre, providing a platform for emerging actors.
- Children’s Shows – Seasonal Santa visits, balloon releases and small gift packages make winter programmes family‑friendly.
- Dance & Cultural Events – Traditional Irish dance nights and Irish‑language workshops keep the cultural pulse strong.
Workshops & Community Events
- Thai cooking classes
- Easter wreath‑making
- Irish‑language sessions
- Hand‑crafts such as pottery and textile dyeing
- Seasonal art projects for schools and families
Gallery & Craft Shop
The on‑site gallery rotates exhibitions of local painters, sculptors and photographers, offering a glimpse of contemporary Irish creativity. Adjacent, the craft shop stocks Irish silver jewellery, hand‑spun wool, woven blankets and other regionally produced souvenirs.
Visitor Information Centre
Staffed by knowledgeable locals—including the well‑regarded Una Stevenson—the centre provides free brochures, booking assistance for accommodation, dining, heritage sites and transport across Northern Ireland, as well as help with fishing licences and connections to local historians.
Food & Drink
The Gallery Bar serves pre‑show and interval drinks, and the venue’s café offers light snacks. For a full pre‑theatre meal, several restaurants are within walking distance of the centre, including the nearby Riverside Café and the historic Cookstown Arms.
Ticketing & Pricing
Tickets can be purchased in‑person, online via the Burnavon website, or over the phone. Concession rates are available for students, seniors and families. A typical family of four can expect to pay around £12 for a standard performance, according to the Let’s Go With The Children guide.
Getting Here
Burnavon sits in the heart of Cookstown, just a short walk from the town’s main shopping street. It is easily accessed by car via the M1/M2 motorways (approximately a 20‑minute drive). On‑site parking is limited; visitors are advised to use the nearby public car park on Main Street (check availability before arrival). The centre is served by local bus routes linking Dungannon, Magherafelt and Belfast – exact route numbers and frequencies should be confirmed locally.
Accessibility
The Burnavon Arts Centre is fully wheelchair‑accessible with ramps, lifts and accessible restrooms; staff are trained in autism awareness; baby‑changing facilities and a quiet lounge are available.
Business & Community Use
Flexible spaces are available for seminars, conferences and private functions, with catering packages tailored to a range of budgets.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in Cookstown, consider a short drive to:
- Baronscourt – the grand 18th‑century estate of the Dukes of Abercorn, with gardens and a historic house.
- Beaghmore Stone Circles – a remarkable Neolithic site of stone circles and cairns.
- Drum Manor Forest Park – woodland walks, a lake and a historic house museum.
Other Arts Venues in Tyrone
- Alley Arts & Conference Centre – a modern venue in Omagh offering a larger auditorium and conference facilities, complementing Burnavon’s more intimate setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | Closed (events only) |
The auditorium’s proscenium‑arch stage measures 8.5 m high, 8.5 m wide and 7.2 m deep, accommodating everything from full‑scale productions to intimate acoustic sets.
Whether you’re catching a live gig, browsing local art, or planning the rest of your Mid‑Ulster adventure, Burnavon Arts Centre is the cultural gateway to Cookstown and beyond.