THE countdown has begun to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The theme for this year’s cross-community carnival parade in Downpatrick will be ‘A Celebration of Global Icons and Olympic Legends’ to coincide with the 2012 Olympics.
The parade is one of the highlights of Down Council’s annual St Patrick’s festival, which will run from Monday, March 12-March 19.
The parade will begin at 2.30pm on March 17, promising a colourful cavalcade of floats, performers, people in fancy dress, entertainment, and music.
With just over five weeks until the parade, Down Council has reminded interested organisations that the closing date for parade entries is Friday, February 24.
Community, voluntary, statutory and commercial
organisations can take
part in the parade by entering an entertaining float, vehicle or attraction or by walking in fancy dress, traditional costume or club colours.
Non-commercial groups entering the parade will receive an attendance fee of £100 and all parade entrants will receive refreshment vouchers and a certificate of participation.
The five best group entries will each be awarded £200.
Further information about the parade, including rules and conditions of entry, and entry forms, can be obtained by contacting the council on 028 4461 0853.