Lurgan, Co Armagh, in recent years has been considered by many to be a town where community divisions and sectarian conflict prevail. Certainly, like many of the North's major towns, Lurgan has suffered considerably over the past 30 years, leading to a polarisation of the town's Catholic and Protestant population.
Now, thanks to a community-based festival there are clear signs that the people of Lurgan are trying to come together to establish and develop strong cross-community links.
The Lurgan Master McGrath Festival, sponsored by the local business community and Craigavon Borough Council, is celebrating its fifth year. It is organised by local businessmen, councillors, hoteliers, shopkeepers and recreation groups. The festival takes its name from a famous greyhound owned by Lord Lurgan in the late 1800s. "Master McGrath", which has been immortalised in song achieved renown by travelling to London and defeating the cream of English racing dogs to win the coveted Waterloo trophy.
From small beginnings the festival, which started last weekend and ends on Saturday, has developed into one of the North's premier attractions outside Belfast.
"This is the biggest festival to date," said local hotelier Mr Sean Hughes. "It's a great way of bringing both sections of the community together. The programme is designed with that objective in mind."
"We had a traditional music night on Tuesday which was supported by both communities, we have the local gaelic and rugby clubs playing each other, Irish league soccer side, Glenavon playing Lurgan Celtic. All great examples of how both communities can live, socialise and co-exist in harmony. Without doubt this festival is proving to be a great bridge builder."