SMILING faces filled the streets of Derry as tens of thousands took part in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations – the first in Derry since 2019.
The thronging crowds were treated to displays of toe-tapping music, dancers and colourful characters.
The ‘Rebirth and Renewal’ themed event, hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the North West Carnival Initiative, Tourism Northern Ireland and Good Relations funding, featured over 600 performers, dancers and musicians.
The kaleidoscope of colour was the highlight of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations which also featured live music, Irish dancing and entertainment in Waterloo Place, the Peace Garden and the Guildhall.
The parade was led by St Patrick and Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, who expressed his delight to see the return of the event after a three year hiatus.
“This was our first Spring Carnival celebration since 2019 and it was a fantastic sight to see so many people back out enjoying the sights and sounds,” he said.
“I was pleased that our young people took pride of place in the parade because they have missed out on a lot in recent years and they did themselves proud.
“Congratulations to all the groups who took part, there were sports clubs, dance troops and performers from all over the city and I was genuinely taken aback by the high standard of the performers who thrilled the bumper crowds.”
St Patrick leads the parade in Strabane
The Peace Garden was transformed into the Colourful Land of the Little People with choreographed showcase performances that enthralled audiences all afternoon.
