The inclusive arts charity Fermanagh BrightStarz recently held a Gala Ball at the Killyhevlin Hotel, with more than 90 guests in attendance for the glittering formal event.

The night also celebrated the launch of the BrightStars’ DVD – a production of ‘A Very Blues Brother’s Sister Act’ – which members performed earlier this year to great success in the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, with everyone enjoying seeing the production on the night as they watched the DVD.

The BrightStarz members were welcomed to the red carpet by their friends and family members, and were toasted at the champagne reception before settling down to dinner and then dancing the night away to Full Moon Fever.

Patricia Goan, Chair of the charity, said: “Tonight is such an important night for our ‘starz’ – they finally get to see what the Ardhowen audiences saw in June this year.

“There is great excitement among the cast, and eager anticipation as they finally see themselves performing on the stage.”

Patricia went on to thank the Killyhevlin Hotel, which hosts the gala ball event every year, along with the parents, family members and supporters and all of the good people of Fermanagh who give so generously to the charity in different ways.

She made special mention of Erne Vintage Car Club and Baskin Hassard for sponsoring the charity at the Erne Vintage Rally in August.

“Without the kindness and support of the community and the hard work of our volunteers, BrightStarz could not do what it does,” Patricia added, continuing: “At the heart of tonight’s event, we wish to celebrate the many abilities of our members.”

Her words echoed a key outlook of Fermanagh BrightStarz: “Look at this ability, not my disability!”

The Fermanagh BrightStarz group is a registered charity and community-based arts group working with adults with additional needs, with the aim of creating a more inclusive, diverse arts community which ensures access for all to the arts.

This manifests itself in the group producing a full theatre production in the Ardhowen Theatre every year in June, with this year’s production, ‘A Very Blues Brother’s Sister Act’, so memorably captured in the DVD launched at the gala ball.

Although the production is a highlight of the year for the group, a huge part of the BrightStarz weekly events are the Tuesday night get-togethers, where members socialise, learn, dance and have some fun.

The Tuesday night gatherings support group members, and also offer their family members a time out to chat and have a cup of coffee while members socialise.

However, the event at the Killyhevlin Hotel was firmly focused on everyone having a great night out, and especially on giving the BrightStarz themselves a wonderful night to remember.