The annual St Patrick celebration begins on Wednesday 11 March and runs to Tuesday 17 March 2015, with the main festival parade day where thousands will again line the streets on Downpatrick to watch this year’s spectacular event.
Downpatrick is ready to host its annual celebrations in memory of St Patrick. Thousands of visitors will come to the town to participate in the broad range of activities on offer over the seven day programme. There will be events that commemorate the Christian heritage of St Patrick to more upbeat family fun.
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Saint Patrick (Martin Burns) with his young flock Aoise O’Goan, Liam Byrne, Lara McVeigh and Kevin Sloan as they get ready for St Patrick’s celebrations.[/caption]
The main day on Tuesday 17 March promises to be a day that no one will forget with events starting from early morning right until late in the evening. U105 Road Show with Frank Mitchel and Pamela Ballentine will entertain crowds throughout the day from 12pm in St Patrick Square. Down District Council is delighted that the annual cross community carnival on St Patrick’s Day has become one of the biggest in Northern Ireland attracting people from all over the province to celebrate St Patrick in his burial home.
Festival Highlights
Wednesday 11 March An evening with Feile, Down County Museum, 7.30pm Downpatrick illumination, The Saint Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, St Patrick Church, St Patrick Statue, Saul
Thursday 12 March Zoe Conway, Donal Lunny &Mairtin O’Connor in Concert, The Great Hall, 8pm
Friday 13 March U105 Outside broadcast with Frank Mitchel, The Saint Patrick Centre, 9am Reptiel Display, The Saint Patrick Centre, 1pm Mairtin O’Connor Band in Concert, The Saint Patrick Centre, 7.30pm
Saturday 14 March Irish Dance Workshops, The Saint Patrick Centre, 2pm, Street Music Competition, St Patrick Square, 2pm More Power to your Elbow Concert, St Patrick Square, 4pm Stitched Up, Down Arts Centre, 8pm Voices of Ireland, Down Cathedral, 7.30pm
Sunday 15 March Jimmys Ten, Ballydugan Industrial Estate, 11am Cuig and Dance featuring ex Riverdance performers, St Patrick Square 11am Face Painting, Bouncy Castle and much more, St Patrick Square, 11am
Monday 16 March St Patrick’s Cross, Down County Museum, 7.30pm Jake O’Kane’s Tongue Lashing, Down Arts Centre, 8pm
Tuesday 17 March Service of Holy Communion, St Patrick’s Church, Saul, 9am St Patrick’s Day Walk, Castle Ward, 9.30am Pilgrimage Prayer Walk from Saul to Down Cathedral, St Patrick’s Church, Saul, 10am Artisan Food Market, St Patrick Square, 10am Re-enactment of St Patrick’s landing at Slaney, River Slaney, Downpatrick, 11am U105 Roadshow, St Patrick Square, 12pm Historical Coach Tours, Departs Down County Museum, 1.30pm Vintage Vehicle Cavalcade, Downpatrick town centre, 2.15pm 4 Men and A Dog, St Patrick Square, 2.15pm Cross Community Carnival, Downpatrick, 2.30pm At First Light Concert, The Saint Patrick Centre, 7.30pm
Down District Council Chairman, Cllr William Walker said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable and memorable experience in Downpatrick celebrating our world renowned Saint and we are working with community groups and traders to ensure everyone acts responsibly.”
To avoid traffic congestion, you can avail of the free park and ride service available at Downpatrick Racecourse from 11.00am to 8.00pm. For those keen to experience a train ride Shamrock Steam Trains have a park and ride available from Inch Abbey into Downpatrick town Centre from 12noon to 5pm.
For further information or a FREE copy of the Festival Programme or to book tickets for events please contact Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre on 028 4461 2233 or full event listings online at: www.downdc.gov.uk
or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals
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