St Patrick’s Day carnivalline up

Mayor Colum Eastwood said: “The St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival has evolved into a family friendly event that brings a sense of fun and celebration to the city centre for all communities to enjoy.

“A wonderful programme of music, carnival and dance has been planned from the 10th – 17th March and I would encourage as many people as possible to avail of the diverse range of events which have been organised.”

A range of events celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week) will take place at venues throughout the city, including An Culturlann, The Waterside Theatre and the Central Library in the run up to the 17th March. The Nerve Centre will also host their Practice Makes Perfect event featuring the best of local talent on the 16th March.

St Patrick’s Day will kick off with a Shindigs and Shenanigans cross community event at the Clondermot Old School. Organised by the Shared City Project, the afternoon will run from 12noon – 4pm, featuring an afternoon for all the family to enjoy bringing all communities together to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and Irish traditions.

From 1 – 4pm, Guildhall Square will be the focal point of the city’s celebrations as it is transformed into a family friendly, alcohol free zone for the afternoon.

The Derry City Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will get proceedings off to a swinging start, followed by a performance by Kintra, whose fusion of Irish and Scottish cultures is sure to deliver an exciting and colourful stage show.

Vocal Energy will conclude the Guildhall Celebrations as they attempt to bring together 100 voices for the celebrations, performing great Irish classics and raising money for Children in Crossfire.

At 2.30pm the St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival parade, featuring contribution from local community festival groups will weave it way through the city centre bringing some of the world’s ‘Myths and Legends’ to the city’s streets. Meet Finn Mac Cool, who will be making his way from the Giant’s Causeway especially for the celebrations, along with an array of faeries, goblins and dragons. Departing from the Council car park, legends from everywhere from Grianan to Egypt to Native American and Maori history are depicted in an exciting and enticing spectacle set to wow all the family.

The Tower Museum will be open with the special admission price to its exhibitions of £1.00. However they are also hosting free admission to a programme of storytelling, face painting, magic and puppet shows from 1 – 4pm.

The celebrations will continue into the evening in the Craft Village from 4 – 6pm with music from local vocal group, the Cantanus Choir and Celtic rock band The Grin.

The official St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival programme is currently available at the Council offices (Strand Road), the Tourist Information Centre and venues throughout the city. It is also available online at www.derrycity.gov.uk/stpatricksday.