Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

14 March 2012

DOWNPATRICK is getting ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a monster week of celebrations.

The big day on Saturday 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 together with the U105 Road Show.

The fun doesn’t begin and end there. This year’s St Patrick’s Festival 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.

Festival organisers at Down Council are confident the packed programme really does have something for everyone.

The PSNI will be patrolling the area on the day, and Down Area Commander, Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones, said her officers are very much looking forward to the celebrations.

“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the hard work of all the organisers and agencies involved, as well as those who volunteer so much time and effort to make sure the event is a success,” she said.

On Saturday, to keep the crowds entertained as they await the arrival of the Carnival Float Parade, Debbie Bradley, the finest and most talked about Lady Gaga Tribute, will be performing ‘Gaga’ favourites such as ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Edge of Glory’.

Also performing on the festival stage will be Ashelin, Matthew Campbell, Starshine Drama Group, Saul Scor and Celtic Storm Irish Dance Troupe.

At-a-glance guide:

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

Patrick to Patrick Light Procession, St. Patrick’s Church Saul, 7pm.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

Four Men and a Dog Concert, Down Arts Centre, 8pm.

Traditional Music Session Trail, Quoile Tavern, 10pm.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

St. Patrick’s Walking Tour of Downpatrick, Down County Museum, 2pm – 3.30pm.

Jake O’Kane’s Tear Gas Comedy Tour, Down Arts Centre, 8pm – 10pm.

Traditional Music Session Trail, Denvir’s and Quoile Tavern, 9pm.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

Celebration of St Patrick, The Saint Patrick Centre, 9.30am – 7pm.

St Patrick’s Day Celebrations, Down County Museum, 10am – 6pm.

Shamrock Steam Trains, Downpatrick and County Down Railway, 12 noon – 5pm.

Traditional Music Session Trail, Down Arts Centre, 12 noon.

Festival Stage Entertainment, St Patrick’s Square, 1pm – 5pm.

U105 Road Show with Frank Mitchell and Guests.

Live Music by Lady Gaga Tribute Act, Ashelin, Celtic Storm Irish Dance Troupe, solo performance by Matthew Campbell, Saul Scor, Starshine Drama Group.

Stilt Walkers and Face Painting in St Patrick’s Square from 1pm.

Vintage Vehicle Cavalcade, Downpatrick Town Centre, 2.15pm.                       

St. Patrick’s Day Cross Community Carnival Parade, 2.30pm.                       

Ashelin Concert, Down Arts Centre, 8pm – 10pm.           

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

Jonathan and Iryna, Down Arts Centre, 3pm – 4.30pm.

Traditional Music Session Trail, Denvir’s and Quoile Tavern, 6pm.

MONDAY, MARCH 19

Live Music at Down Cathedral, 8pm.

Traditional Music Session Trail, Denvir’s, 10pm.

For full details on over 40 events pick up a free Festival Programme, available online at www.

downdc.gov.uk  www.facebook

.com/DownFestivals or contact the Festival Office on 028 4461 2233.