Council Calls on Community Groups to get involved in St Patrick’s Day Parades
As the countdown to St Patrick’s Day begins, the historic town of Downpatrick and the city of Newry are gearing up for an unforgettable celebration on Sunday 17 March, with events running from 12 noon until 4pm.
The St Patrick’s Day festivities promise to be a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and family-friendly activities, and of course the parades are not to be missed.
Council is calling on all schools, community and voluntary groups to take part in our cross-community carnival as well as street musicians, artists and performers, to make the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Newry and Downpatrick extra special.
For details on how to get involved, please contact: tourismevents@nmandd.org.
Or check for details below.
Talking about this year’s festival, Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said: “We are proud to be the home of St Patrick, so where better to celebrate this special day?
“The main festivities will take place in Newry and Downpatrick with their spectacular cross-community parades, and we want to encourage everyone to get involved.
“Both urban centres were hit hard during the recent flooding.
“Events like these are not only an important way of showcasing the district’s unique culture and heritage, they help to drive footfall into town centres, supporting our businesses as they work to reestablish after the floods.
“The St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Newry and Downpatrick promise to be a true reflection of the warmth and hospitality of the people of St Patrick’s own country.
“The events are family-friendly and open to visitors of all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.”
Kicking off the celebrations in Downpatrick, this vibrant and lively town centre will host its famous St Patrick’s Day parade, leaving the Downshire Estate at 1.30pm and heading to Rathkeltair carpark.
Spectators can expect a dazzling display of flamboyant floats, traditional music, and dance performances, creating an electric atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Throughout the day, the all-new St Patrick’s village around St Patrick’s Square will be the place to experience traditional Ceilidh dancing, children’s rides, family friendly activities and a fantastic artisan fair.
Don’t forget to visit Down County Museum for a range of specially curated activities for the children delving into the rich history and folklore surrounding St Patrick.
Another fresh attraction for this year’s festival is the Trail of Light exhibition, which will run from Friday 15 to Sunday 31 March.
This outdoor exhibition will transform familiar spaces with unexpected moments and inspiring art installations. These artworks are all unique so come along and see if you can find them.
Meanwhile, in Newry, the St Patrick’s Day Parade promises to be a visual feast, with community groups, local schools and organisations coming together with the infamous, Beat Carnival, to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland.
The floats will leave the Quays Shopping Centre at 1pm, finishing in Kildare Street.
The celebrations will continue in the open Ceilidh marquee in Margerat Square and the heart of the town will be a hive of activity with stages in Marcus Square and Hill Street.
Other great venues for families to check out are McClellands Park and Newry and Mourne Museum at Bagenal’s Castle, which will have a full programme of activities planned.
For those who want to take the celebrations right into the evening, why not book your tickets for the Mersey Beatles, who are back by popular demand in Newry Town Hall, performing their fabulous Hard Day’s Night show: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/newry/newy-town-hall/the-mersey-beatles/e-ebaoyl.
Chairperson, Cllr Valerie Harte added: “In addition to the Newry and Downpatrick celebrations, a host of other themed events and activities are happening across the district.
“Many of of these events have been designed to inspire visitors and local people to get out into the great outdoors and enjoy all that the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion has to offer.
“Whatever you do, I hope that you spend it here in the land that made St Patrick a legend.”
For full programme details, visit:
www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/st-patricks-festival
To Sign Your Community Group Up For A St Patrick’s Parade
INVITATION – ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADES 2024
Newry Mourne and Down District Council would like to invite your organisation to take part in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday 17 March 2024 in Downpatrick or Newry.
Please complete the link below to register to participate in this year’s parade.
Details of your insurance(s) need to be emailed to visitorservices@nmand.org. The closing date for registration is Friday 16 February 2024.
Organisations participating in the parade will receive a fee of £175.00 on submission of an invoice post event.
Please note if you are not yet registered with Council for payment you need to supply your details, as outlined on the link, to us to allow to send you a Purchase Order Number.
Once the event has taken place you will need to send Council an invoice for payment for your participation.
St Patrick’s Festival – Visit Mourne Mountains
Council looks forward to welcoming you to the 2024 St Patrick’s Day Parade.
