THE countdown to the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Strabane has officially begun as Derry City and Strabane District Council today revealed its Spring Carnival programme featuring a whole host of activities for everyone with a strong focus on music, dance and celebration.The theme for the festival is Ceol, Craic agus Carnival with a strong emphasis on celebrating the best of Irish culture through language and the arts.
The main attraction of the event will be the St Patrick’s Day carnival parade, which will take place in the town centre from 2pm to 3pm. The parade will depart from the Canal Basin moving on to Railway Road, Lower Main Street, Main Street, and Back Street/Market Street into Abercorn Square, John Wesley Street, Main Street and finishing back at Canal Basin.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, says he is delighted with the line-up of events organised by the Council to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Strabane and is hoping the events will be well supported.
“This is a fantastic programme of events organised by Council in honour of the patron saint of Ireland and I am confident it will be a great success.
“There really is something for every member of the family with a very strong emphasis on enjoying Irish culture through the medium of the Irish language, music and dance.
“All we need now is for the weather to work in our favour and we can have a fantastic family day out for everyone to enjoy and be part of,” he said.
In addition to the carnival parade, Butcher Street car park will be the hive of the activity with Waillin Banshees headlining alongside a range of local musicians and performers throughout the town.
The fun will feature children’s entertainment, street artists, face painting all from 2pm – 5pm.
There will be lots of activities to keep the children entertained within the Multi-cultural area, where each participating group will showcase different aspects of their culture through food, dance crafts and music from around the world. Everyone is invited to join in the experience.
There will also be a designated Irish quarter in the town centre where families can come along and explore Irish culture, folklore and music first hand.
Face painters and balloon modellers will be there for the kids and there will be live music performances and music lessons, as well as animation featuring walkabout characters.
One of the highlights of the event will be the Traditions Meet dance showcase event where various cultures will collide for a colourful display of Bollywood, Hip Hop and much more in Castle Place.
The Alley Theatre will also be bustling with activity throughout the day offering an exciting range of fun family friendly activities for everyone to enjoy including arts and crafts, music, and finishing off with the amazing comedy ‘Tom Dick & Harry’ which had audiences in stitches at the Drama Festival.
It’s hoped that the fun will continue well into the evening as local pubs and restaurants enhance the experience with live music and entertainment.
For more info on the events scheduled for St Patrick’s Day visit www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/SpringCarnival
Details of traffic and travel on the day will also be available. For more info on the event follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whatsonderrystrabane and Twitter @WhatsOnDS
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