An Enniskillen drama festival featuring 11 groups has ended with an evening of awards.

The Enniskillen Drama Festival held four nights of one-act plays, with groups from across the county, including Fermanagh, competing.

Dave Rees, director of the festival, said: "There is a redemptive power in theatre, it certainly can entertain, but importantly it challenges, it asks us to think and it brings us together.

"As a festival we wish to help support and develop amateur theatre in the county, through workshops, providing advice and opportunities to perform.

(Image: Supplied) "Thus the idea of a One Act Festival was conceived.

"These nights of short plays have seen many local groups take to the stage in an adjudicated festival for the first time."

He continued to thank the participants for their efforts and praised the wealth of talent displayed.

He said: "These nights have seen some incredible talent, a huge variety of shows that made us all think, laugh and question.

"It’s been great to see a full age range from young actors starting out to those who have been involved for decades."

(Image: Supplied) The festival was supported by FODC and local businesses including Modern Tyres, Encirc, The Killyhevlin Hotel, and Experience Enniskillen.

Adjudicator Tom Byrne announced the winners, with many local talents being recognised.

Katie Chapman was named best young actor for her role as Mary Ann in "Even Numbers" by Devenish Drama Group.

Mary Cassidy was acclaimed for her portrayal of Patricia in "Salad Day", while Christine Maher Irvine was awarded the Fermanagh Trust Bursary Award for her performance and direction of "Bed Among the Lentils" by Alan Bennett.

The 1st and 1st award for groups new to an adjudicated festival was won by Devenish Drama.

The overall winners were Ballyshannon Drama Society who won Best Production, Best Actor (male), and the Bursary Prize of £300.

A feast of theatre and the Drama Festival will return in March 2025 with its Three Act festival from March 7 to 15 at the Ardhowen Theatre.