DOWN Council has unveiled its seven-day St Patrick’s Festival programme, which will run from March 12-19.
Crammed full of opportunities to explore the life and times of Ireland’s Patron Saint, the festival also includes family entertainment and events throughout the district.
Down Council chairman, councillor Dermot Curran, launched the festival programme, which he said will appeal to everyone.
He said there would be a number of authentic experiences at the key St. Patrick locations as well as music and dance at many venues across the district.
Festival fever will hit Down Arts Centre with a great line up of performances by Jake O’Kane, Four Men and a Dog and Ashelin.
Down County Museum will also host a conference on ‘The Archaeology of the Hill of Down’ on Friday, March 16, while the world’s only permanent St. Patrick’s exhibition will be available as usual through The Saint Patrick Centre, which will be celebrating this special day with lots of entertainment.
For the outdoor enthusiasts there will be the annual pilgrimage walk on Saturday, March 17, from St Patrick’s Church, Saul, to Down Cathedral, while others may enjoy the walk through St Patrick’s country with a little surprise along the way.
At the museum there will be Irish Dancing, traditional and folk music and lots of performance acts.
There will also be the Shamrock Steam Train from Inch Abbey Station to Downpatrick Station with wonderful views of Down Cathedral along with way.
From 1pm at the festival stage in St Patrick’s Square, U105 presenter, Frank Mitchell and UTV’s Pamela Ballantine, will keep the crowds entertained with special guests as the cross-community carnival parade weaves its way through the street at 2.30pm.
The 2012 parade theme is ‘Global Icons and Olympic Legends.’
Details of more than 40 events that will be held as part of the St Patrick’s Festival, including a fringe festival, are available in a free festival programme.
Contact the festival office on 028 4461 2233 or check out the full event listings online by visiting www.downdc.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/DownFestivals .