St Patrick's Day Festival Launched
21 February 2012 |
Posted by Jim Masson |
THE St Patrick's Day Parade is the most widely celebrated Day in the world and it has its roots right here in County Down.
This year, St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated in time-honoured style with thousands of visitors converging on the historic town for a week-long celebration of heritage, culture, family entertainment and ‘craic’.
Down District Council have this week unveiled its seven-day St Patrick’s Festival programme which will run from Monday 12-Monday 19 March. Crammed full of opportunities to explore the life and times of Ireland’s Patron Saint, the Festival also showcases a spectacular abundance of family entertainment and exciting events throughout the district.
Pictured at the launch of the festival are Rev Stuart Burns, Down Council Chairman Councillor Dermot Curran and St Patrick, actor Niall Cusack.
Councillor Dermot Curran, Down District Council’s Chairperson, launched the festival programme and commented, “The seven day programme will appeal to everyone, from the authentic experiences at the key St Patrick locations, but also to a wider audience through music and dance at many venues across the district.”
Festival fever is set to hit Down Arts Centre with a great line up of performances by comedian Jake O’Kane, Irish music group Four Men and a Dog and Ashelin plus much more throughout the week! Tickets are bound to go quickly so book early to avoid disappointment.
Down County Museum is hosting a conference on ‘The Archaeology of the Hill of Down’ on Friday 16 March while the world’s only permanent St Patrick’s exhibition is located at The Saint Patrick Centre, which will be celebrating this special day with lots of entertainment for all to enjoy.
For the outdoor enthusiasts there will be the annual pilgrimage walk on Saturday 17 March from St Patrick’s Church, Saul to Down Cathedral, while others may enjoy the walk through St Patrick’s country with a little surprise along the way.
At Down County Museum, Irish Dancing, Traditional and Folk Music and lots of performance acts that will keep everyone smiling throughout the day. Don’t forget the Shamrock Steam Train will operate from the Inch Abbey Station to Downpatrick Station with wonderful views of Down Cathedral along with way.
From 1pm at the Festival Stage in St Patrick’s Square, U105 presenter, Frank Mitchell and UTV’s Pamela Ballantine will keep the crowds entertained with special guests as the Cross-Community Carnival Parade meanders its way through the street at 2.30pm. The 2012 Parade theme is ‘Global Icons and Olympic Legends’ which is guaranteed to thrill everyone with colour and spectacle.
There are over 40 events through the St Patrick’s Festival, and in the programme are details of our Fringe Festival Favourites,
Don’t forget to pick up a FREE copy of the Festival Programme. Contact the Festival Office on 028 4461 2233 or check out the full event listings online by visiting www.downdc.gov.uk | www.facebook.com/DownFestivals.
