STRABANE will come alive with the sound of music, song and dance this St Patrick’s Day with a full programme of carnival celebration for all the family.
The St Patrick’s festivities will this year celebrate a multitude of cultures and traditions, with a packed line up of craft, animation and live trad music.
The theme for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade focuses on one of Ireland’s favourite fables – the tale of Tír na nÓg – the mythical land of everlasting youth and joy. The theme fits well with the Youth19 programme, which this year promotes youth culture and celebrates the young people across the city and district.
Launching the programme, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor John Boyle said: “St Patrick’s Day in Strabane is always a real community effort with great support from local businesses and organisations.
This year once again there will be a diverse and family friendly programme with events to appeal to all ages.
He said: “It’s a great day out and an opportunity to enjoy a wide array of cultural experiences and entertainment for all the family.”
The day’s events take place at a range of venues across the town, kicking off at 2pm with the main carnival parade.
Hundreds of participants from local community, school and sporting groups will take part in the celebration leaving Dock Street and making its way along Railway Street, Main Street to Market Street, then on to Abercorn Square, Railway Road and returning to Dock Street.
Butcher Street Carpark will be a hive of activity with live music by the Wailin Banshees, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon modelling, story-telling, dance and even a festive farm.
If you’re interested in local history and culture, there will also be the opportunity to brush up on your Irish language skills, and find out more about local folklore and genealogy.
From 2 pm – 5 pm Castle Street will be transformed into a multi-cultural hub celebrating traditions and entertainment from around the world.
Go on a global adventure starting with some Bollywood glamour, then try your hand at Chinese Dragon dancing.
Join in some Tai Chi before visiting the Russian, Polish, Spanish, Chinese and Indian Art workshops.
Be prepared to be enchanted as the Alley Theatre Courtyard becomes a spell-binding fantasy world for the little folk with pixie dwellings and fairy hideaways and magical stories.
Within the theatre itself enjoy some fantastic live music followed by performance from the Knocks Drama Group later in the evening. And of course there will be plenty of music and entertainment at other venues throughout the town.
To find out more about the full programme of events go to www.derrystrabane.com/stpatricksdaystrabane
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