Carnival Day in Solitude in honour of St Patrick

The event is being funded by EU’s PEACE III Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and delivered by the PEACE III Southern Partnership.

Visitors and locals who join in the district’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Solitude Park from 2pm are guaranteed a day full of craic, including cultural activities, live music and arts and crafts.

Admission is free, but there may be a small charge for some of the activities which are designed to suit all age groups.

The main highlights will be a parade through the park by local school children carrying their own colourful hand-crafted creations and a live concert featuring performances by Andy Whittaker and the Soul Truth Band, Dr Bodhran and Cat Malojan.

Other activities on the day will include laser clay pigeon shooting, a climbing wall, rodeo bull, funfair rides and a NOMAD cage. There will also be craft workshops giving young children an opportunity to decorate shamrock-shaped shortbread or create their own leprechaun hats.

Council Chairman Councillor Jim McElroy said, “Last year’s event was a great success, attracting several thousand visitors to Banbridge to enjoy a free afternoon of family entertainment.

“I hope this year’s event will be just as successful in bringing local communities together to celebrate their culturally rich and diverse district.”