St Patrick’s Festival Celebrates Myths, Magic and Music
Wednesday 11 – Tuesday 17 March 2015.
Down District Council is getting ready to host its last St Patrick’s Festival under the current Council and is pulling out all the stops to ensure there is something for everyone.
[caption id="attachment_55142" align="alignleft" width="390"]
Down District Council Chairman Councillor Billy Walker launches the St Patrick’s Festival at Inch Abbey near Downpatrick.[/caption]
The Festival will kick off on Wednesday 11 March and the town is getting ready to host the thousands of visitors who come to celebrate the Saint in his burial home. This year the theme for the Festival is the ‘Myths, Magic and Music’ and we are encouraging everyone to dress up and celebrate.
Down District Council (DDC) Chairman, Cllr William Walker said: “Downpatrick has a fun packed programme to offer over the seven days ranging from the best sought-after Irish bands in the country including Mairtin O’Connor and Band, 4 Men and A Dog, At First Light, Irish dancers, shows in the Arts Centre and much more.
John Anderson, who is one of our best known musicians and broadcasters will bring the Voices of Ireland; 16 of the very best singers in the country to Down Cathedral on Saturday 14 March to sing some of the very best Irish melodies including Danny Boy, You Raise Me Up, Be Thou My Vision and much more.
Special guests will include the distinguished actor BJ Hogg who will be presenting words and music to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, live from Downpatrick Cathedral. This performance will be streamed live on St Patrick Day’s around the world. Spaces are limited so book early”.
At night the skies of Downpatrick will shine bright as three of the town’s iconic buildings Down Cathedral, St Patrick’s Church and St Patrick’s Centre and the St Patrick’s Statue in Saul will illuminate green in colour over the festival period.
[caption id="attachment_55143" align="aligncenter" width="540"]
Myths, Magic and Music: The 2015 St Patrick’s festival parade will take place on Tuesday 17 March starting at 2.30pm from the Ardglass Road at the Downshire Estate.[/caption]
The successful street music competition is back on Saturday 14 March from 2.00pm to 4.00pm with a prize fund of £3,000 up for grabs. The winners will show off their talents on stage in the square. Down District Council is encouraging street musicians and singers to register early as spaces are limited and it will be on a first come first serve basis. Registration forms are available from Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre on 028 4461 2233.
Following the success of last year, the Council is delighted to offer everyone the opportunity of going back to 5 Century AD with a re-enactment of our iconic St Patrick coming down the Slaney River and landing on our soil on Tuesday 17 March at 11.00.am. You will have the opportunity to engage with St Patrick and explore the medieval village.
A Free Park and Ride facility will be available from 10.00am from the front of Down District Council, Downshire Estate, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick.
From 12 noon join U105’s Frank Mitchell and Pamela Ballantine at the Festival Stage at St Patrick Square who have an afternoon packed with great entertainment, numerous competition prizes and a line-up of special guests. The most anticipated part of the day the popular cross community float parade will be making its way through the town starting at 2.30pm.
DDC are encouraging all communities, schools, clubs, association and individuals to get involved in the annual float parade and this is your last chance to register your float and make your St Patrick’s Day one to remember. Registration forms are available by contacting Damien Brannigan on 028 4461 0853. Please note the closing date of entries is Friday 27 February.
Tickets for all events are limited especially for the traditional band gigs so ensure your seat and book now on 028 44 61 2233.
For further information or a FREE copy of the Festival Programme please contact Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre on 028 4461 2233 or full event listings online at:
or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals
Down News photos from the 2014 St Patrick’s day Festival
]]>
