Thursday 10 March will mark the beginning of the St Patrick’s Festival 2016, which will see thousands of visitors descend on Newry Mourne and Down District.
A wide range of events and activities for everyone to enjoy, will take place in both Downpatrick and Newry through to Sunday 20 March 2016.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council is pulling out all the stops to ensure a great time will be had by all, with a fun packed programme showcasing the best of culture, music, song and dance. The Festival’s theme for 2016 is ‘Feasts and Wild Beasts’ and everyone will be encouraged to get into the festival atmosphere by dressing up to celebrate.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane said: “The Festival has a fun packed programme to offer over the ten days ranging from the best sought after Irish bands in the country, terrific Irish dancers, various music and dance shows, arts and cultural performances, re-enactments, choral performances, walking and pilgrimage events and film launches with many of these being recorded and broadcast around the world online and across USA television networks.”
One of the highlights early in the festival will be the re-enactment of St Patrick’s Landing at Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, on Sunday 13 March commencing at 2.00pm.
“This magnificent family-orientated event incorporating the arrival of Patrick by boat on the river Quoile, a medieval village with farm animals, food banquet and much more will be on display. Free Park & Ride is available at Down Business Park from 1.00pm.”
One not to be missed, renowned traditional group, Beogar will perform in Concert on Wednesday 16 March at 7.30pm in the Great Hall, Downpatrick Civic Centre, Ardglass Road. They will be joined by dancers who have performed with Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Including our own Downpatrick-based McCormick Miskelly School of Irish Dance. Tickets can be purchased from the Festival Office.
The full programme of events is available from our festival office at the Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre 028 4461 2233 and online at:
