Huge St Patrick’s Festival will be biggest in the country

Huge St Patrick’s Festival will be biggest in the country

24 February 2016

THE countdown is on to this year’s St Patrick’s Festival celebrations in Downpatrick featuring the best of culture, music, song and dance.

For 10 days from March 10, thousands of visitors get to choose from an unrivalled schedule of activity as part of the brand new festival schedule across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area.

A packed programme of events has been lined up featuring an impressive and eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, dance, poetry, exhibitions, lectures and a series of special walks and talks to suit all tastes. 

The annual festival also includes an inspiring range of spiritual events, many of which draw on the significance of St Patrick and the important role he played in bringing Christianity to Ireland, allowing visitors to reflect and retrace his steps.

There are a series of specially-planned events at St Patrick’s Square and Down Cathedral with council officials promising this year’s festival has something for everyone.

Council chairman, Mickey Ruane, said many of the pivotal moments in St Patrick’s life took place across the region, whether at Saul church or his burial site at Down Cathedral.

“We look forward to celebrating St Patrick’s contribution and his legacy with the highest quality offering of modern and traditional musicians, dance troupes, cultural performances and spiritual events for everyone to enjoy,” he continued.

Across locations in Downpatrick and Newry, venues featuring top musical highlights include award-winning singer-songwriters Duke Special and Brian Finnegan are high up on the menu, while the spiritual significance of the festival is fully retained with the Pilgrimage Prayer Walk from Saul to Down Cathedral.

Among several events designed to tempt your taste buds, Downpatrick also hosts a special re-enactment of St Patrick’s landing which will also feature a stunning medieval banquet. 

A key highlight of the festival programme in Downpatrick is the spectacular carnival parade featuring displays of colour, music, dance and entertainment, embracing this year’s theme Feasts and Wild Beasts

To download the full festival programme and for full details of locations, times and ticket prices, if applicable visit www.saintpatrickscountry.com.