THE streets of Strabane will be awash with colour this weekend as the St Patrick’s Spring Carnival Parade brings thousands onto the streets for a celebration to remember.With numbers expected to be high for the weekend festivities on Saturday March 17, the public are being asked to heed the traffic and travel advice issued by Derry City and Strabane District Council, and to expect delays over the course of the day’s events.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, said he couldn’t wait to see the newly enhanced programme for this year’s celebrations, and he urged people to check out the traffic and travel arrangements which are in place to ensure the smooth running of the event.
“I am very much looking forward to seeing the traditional St Patrick’s Day programme which will feature some new and exciting elements thanks to the additional support it received this year.
“I have no doubt that what has always been such an important festive event for the town, will go from strength to strength with the support of Council and so many local community organisations.
“Over 600 participants will be joining the parade this year, and I hope to see a warm welcome for them from the crowds.
“It will be a fantastic family friendly celebration showcasing our cultural heritage and fine musical tradition, with fun activities for all ages. I want to wish everyone a very enjoyable and safe St Patrick’s weekend.”
Entertainment on the day will include live music from local bands Wailin Banshees and Off the Rails on stage in Butcher Street Carpark, as well as a cornucopia of family fun activities taking place in the Alley Theatre.
Castle Place will host a special Irish Quarter celebrating language, genealogy, music and folklore, and the town centre will also feature a multi-cultural area showcasing traditional crafts, foods and entertainment from around the world.
The highlight of the celebration will be the much anticipated Carnival Parade which will light up the town centre from 2pm – 3pm.
To accommodate the festivities, some restrictions have been put in place on the day to ensure safety and in order to help minimise disruption and inconvenience to the local community. Members of the public are advised that there will be some disruption to normal travel movements during the hours of 1.30pm – 5pm and are being asked to prepare for some delays and to allow a little extra time when planning their journeys.
A number of roads will be closed to traffic or have traffic restrictions in place for the event including Castle Street and Castle Place from 8am – 6pm, with pedestrian access only.
There will be a rolling closure and diversions in place on the following roads from 1.30pm – 4pm to facilitate the Town Centre Parade – Derry Road, Upper / Lower Main Street, Railway Street, Main Street, Abercorn Square and Bridge Street.
There will be Carpark Closures from 6am – 6pm at Butcher Street Car Park and the Carpark at Canal Basin. We would encourage people to avoid on street parking along the parade route, and where possible to avoid bringing cars into the town centre.
All Translink and Bus Eireann services departing from Canal Link Stop & Ulster Bank Stop during the two hour period (2pm-4pm) on Saturday are to leave from the depot on Bradley Way to accommodate the Parade.
Details of all bus services on the day can be found by visiting www.translink.co.uk/Routes-and-Timetables
A special viewing platform will be located in Butcher street carpark for anyone with mobility issued. Blue Badge holders are advised to use available public, disabled car parking spaces.
For a full listing of what is happening log on to www.derrystrabane.com/springcarnival
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