It is the time of year once again when the town of Downpatrick comes alive as the preparation are well underway to celebrate their local saint.
The St Patrick festivities are an opportunity to remember the saint and there is something for the whole family in a week of a fun-packed programme of modern and traditional events.
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The popular St Patrick’s day parade draws around 25,000 people into Downpatrick.[/caption]
St Patrick is well known for driving the snakes out of Ireland and the public will even be able to have hands on experience with a reptile display and demonstrations in St Patrick Centre on Friday 14 March from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.
In partnership with Eclipse cinema and Downpatrick Race Course, Down District Council will host the family drive in movie on Saturday 15 March at 7.30pm in the Race Course Downpatrick. This is a ticket only entrant and to avail of your free ticket contact Downpatrick visitor centre on 028 4461 2233.
This year Down District Council will entertain the spectators of Jimmy’s 10k race in St Patrick Square from 10.30am with an inflatable fun fair of slides, bouncy castle, obstacle course, face painting, music and the Council Waste Buster vehicle will give spectators a chance to show their artistic skills where they can jump on board and participate in fun arts and crafts activities. Down County Museum will step back to medieval times and take you on a tour of historical sites in Downpatrick from 2pm on Sunday 16 March 2014.
Down Arts Centre will be putting on various events throughout the week long celebrations and the whole family can enjoy dance and movements, theatre with punch and judy and much more starting at 10am on St Patrick’s Day.
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St Patrick aka Martin Burns celebrate the theme of world music of dance for St Patrick’s Celebrations in Downpatrick with local students from the South Eastern Regional College Graham Walker and Chelsea Rogan.[/caption]
The annual walk through St Patrick’s country organised by Down District Council and Lecale Ramblers will take place on Monday 17 March. Registration will take place at 10.00am at Castleward, Strangford. The event is free and a wee dram of whiskey (or tea/coffee) is provided at our refreshment point.
The historical coach tour led by local man Albert Colmer will guide you through the heritage sites in St Patrick’s Country which will commence at 2pm on St Patrick’s Day. This sought after tour books quickly so reserve your place by calling Downpatrick Visitor Centre on 028 4461 2233.
Down District Council (DDC) Chairman Maria McCarthy said: “The celebrations will exceed all expectations this year and we would encourage everyone to celebrate the iconic saint in the ancient town of his burial and come and participate in the many events that Downpatrick has to offer.
“There will be something for everyone on St Patrick’s Day with Downpatrick offering over 20 different events on the day and the popular cross community carnival parade commencing at 2.30pm”.
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:
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