Community invited to restore seating in Kilcormac's Fiesta Hall

Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for the local community to become part of the continuing transformation of one of Kilcormac’s most iconic landmarks, the Fiesta Hall.

As part of the revitalisation of the iconic venue, OLDC is launching a community-led project to reupholster the original cinema seating, with work to be carried out over six weekends this November and December. Locals with a connection to Kilcormac and a love for the hall’s storied past are invited to take part in hands-on workshops to help restore the seats to their former glory.

OLDC are now welcoming expressions of interest from those interested in participating in this programme which will commence on Saturday, November 1, and run over six consecutive weekends.

Leading the training is expert upholsterer Annette Leeman of Glenbower House, who will guide participants through the process of bringing the much-loved cinema seats back to life. Each Saturday and Sunday, individuals can come along, learn the craft, and contribute to preserving an important piece of Offaly’s cultural heritage.

Built in 1961 by local butcher and builder Paddy McCormack, the Fiesta Hall has stood as a beacon of entertainment and community life for over 60 years. With its striking Art Deco façade and 550 square metres of event space, it has hosted everything from dances and theatre performances to town meetings and court sessions.

Purchased by OLDC in 2020 with support from The Julia V. M. Trench Will Trust, the hall has undergone a major refurbishment with funding from the Just Transition Fund, in response to the closure of the peat industry in the region. The renovations have retained the spirit and character of the building while making it sustainable, energy-efficient, and ready for a new chapter of community use.

“Rather than replacing the old cinema seats with something modern, we wanted to keep the heart of the building intact,” said Roisin Lennon, CEO of OLDC. “These seats have witnessed decades of memories – first dates, showband nights, films, and town events. By reupholstering them together as a community, we’re not just restoring furniture, we’re reviving stories.”

The reupholstery project is the first in a series of participatory events planned for the Fiesta Hall, which will soon host a dynamic programme of community activities focused on cultural heritage, climate resilience, and traditional skills. In addition, the building will serve as a home for OLDC, a venue for events, and an incubation space for green and circular economy start-ups. With its extraordinary natural and industrial heritage, Offaly has the potential to become a learning lab for climate change, mitigation and adaptation. As part of the nationwide drive towards sustainability and working with partners, Fiesta Hall will become a hub for green enterprises, education, and climate action.

To register your interest or to book please see https://offalyldc.ie/news/community-invited-to-help-reupholster-historic-cinema-seats-at-kilcormac-s-fiesta-hall

The newly refurbished Fiesta Hall will open this autumn - please keep an eye on the website www.offalyldc.ie and social media for updates.

The reupholstery project is funded through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021 -2027.