All set for St. Patrick’s Festival

14 March 2013

THERE’S only one place to be on St. Patrick’s Day this year — right at the heart of Downpatrick’s amazing celebrations.

The rich cultural traditions of Lecale will form the back to the 2013 Celebrations with music ringing around the town as it ‘goes green’ from March 11-18.

The big day on Sunday, March 17, promises a fantastic family day out with its customary wealth of free family entertainment, including the now traditional highlight of the Cross-Community Carnival Parade.

Also on Sunday is the U105 Road Show with Johnny Hero and Pamela Ballantine and showcasing the rising talent of the ‘Wildflowers’ who are an exceptionally talented singing, songwriting trio from Co. Down.

This year a free open air concert by Four Men and a Dog, supported by At First Light and Castlewellan Comhaltas, will complete the entertainment for the day.

The fun doesn’t begin and end there. This year’s St. Patrick’s Celebrations will last for seven action-packed days. From quiet commemorations that reflect the spiritual nature of the occasion and the wonderful legacy of Christian heritage of the region to more upbeat family fun. Event organisers at Down Council are confident that the packed programme really does have something for everyone

PROGRAMME

Saturday, March 16

• U105 Roadshow with Johnny Hero at the Festival Stage, St. Patrick Square, 12.00 noon.

• Street Music Competitions with over £2,000 Prize fund across various locations in Downpatrick Town Centre, 2.00pm.

• Jarleth Henderson and Band — Open Air Uileann Pipe Concert, St. Patrick Square, 5.00pm.

• Máirtin O’Connor and Band in The Saint Patrick Centre, 8.30pm — Now Fully booked.

• Jake O’Kanes Mouthful at 8.00pm; tickets £15/£12 concession, contact Down Arts Centre 028 4461 0747.

Sunday, March 17

• U105 Road Show with Johnny Hero and Pamela Ballantine, the Festival Stage, St. Patrick Square — 1.00pm – 5.00pm.

• St. Patrick’s Day Cross Community Carnival Parade, departing from Ardglass Road from 2.30pm.

• Four Men And A Dog and At First Light Open Air Concert at the Festival Stage, St. Patrick Square from 5.00-7.00pm.

Monday, March 18

• Pilgrimage Prayer Walk from Saul to Down Cathedral (buses from 8.15am-9.00am at Cathedral and walk begins at 10.30am).

• Service of Holy Communion at St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Saul at 9.15am.

• St. Patrick’s Day Walk, Saul GAA, Raholp, Registration 9.30am-10.30am walk departing 10.45am.

• Cross Community Service, Down Cathedral at 11.45am.

• Laying of Wreath on St. Patrick’s Grave, Down Cathedral at 1.05pm.

• Eimear Quinn Quartet in Concert, Down Cathedral at 8.00pm — Free admission via tickets from Festival Office.

A free Park & Ride will operate from Downpatrick Racecourse to Ballydugan Industrial Estate from 9.00am – 8.00pm so please watch for the AA signs on the approach to Downpatrick.

Check out some of the rest of the ‘best bits’ from our at-a-glance guide below:

• Wednesday, March 13 — Saturday, March 16: St Patrick’s Choral Society presents ‘Sound of Music’, Great Hall, Downshire at 7.30pm

Friday, March 15 — Monday, March 18: Artisan Food & Craft Market, St. Patrick Square, 10.00 – 5.00pm.

Friday, March 15: U105 Live Broadcast with Frank Mitchell, The Saint Patrick Centre, 9.00am -12.00noon; St Patrick’s Conference: John de Courcy and the Normans in Downpatrick, Down County Museum, 9.30am – 4.30pm; Donal Murphy, Steve Cooney and Gino Lupari Concert, Down Arts Centre, 8.30pm.

Saturday, March 16: Get in Tune with the Recycling Education Bus, SERC Car Park, 11.00am – 4.00pm;

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day – Irish Dancing Display, Downpatrick Library, 1.00pm.

Sunday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, Down County Museum, 10.00am – 6.00pm; St. Patrick’s Park & Ride Train, Downpatrick and County Down Railway, 12 noon – 5.00pm;

Photos & The Fiddle – Sunday Service at 11.30am followed Rev Stephen Robinson. A photographic exhibition in Downpatrick Methodist Church —11.30am – 5.00pm; Stilt Walkers and Face Painting in St. Patrick’s Square from 1pm; Vintage Vehicle Cavalcade, Downpatrick Town Centre, 2.15pm.

To find out more about the 50 events with over 30 free events please pick up our Programme, available online at www.downdc.gov.uk | www.facebook.com/DownFestivals or contact the Festival Office on 028 4461 2233.

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