St Patrick’s Day will see Strabane transformed into a sea of colour and excitement as this year’s parade makes it way from Holy Cross College to the town centre on Monday 17th March.
As a result of the celebrations motorists should expect some delays around Strabane as the parade weaves its way through the town from 2pm.
The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Celebrating Our Heritage’, and hundreds of participants will take part in a spectacular parade which leaves from Holy Cross College at 2pm.
It will then make its way down the Melmount Road, along Bridge Street and Market Street, past Abercorn Square and along Railway Road before finishing at Dock Street.
Members of the public are asked to note that all buses due to depart from Canal Street bus stop between 10am and 4pm will leave from the bus station on Bradley Way.
Encouraging people to come out and enjoy this year’s parade, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said: “Please come out and watch the parade alongside your friends and neighbours, let’s make St Patrick’s Day an incredible celebration of our heritage and everything Strabane has to be proud off.
“St Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest and busiest days of the year in Strabane and I know this year will not be any different.
“From the youngest member of the family to the oldest, please wrap up warm and come along and support all the schools, community groups and individuals who have worked so hard to make this event possible.
“There are lots of spots along the route where you will be able to view the parade, so think ahead about how you will get to the town and where you will park.
“And make sure you leave plenty of time to secure the best vantage point so you don’t miss a single minute of the parade!”
Schools taking part in this year’s parade include St Catherine’s PS, Holy Cross College, Sion Mills Integrated PS, Knockavoe School, and Gaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh.
Among the groups who will be participating are Sion Swifts, Sigersons GAA Club, Niamh Browne-McGranaghan Academy of Irish Dance, Much Ado Performing Arts Academy and Class Act Theatre Group.
As well as the main parade there will also be activity in the Alley Theatre from 1.30-4.30pm with live music from CRAIC, face painting and Barry McGowan Art.
Later that evening the Strabane Drama Festival will continue at the Alley Theatre with The Whiteheaded Boy by Lennox Robinson presented by the Bart Players. Tickets for this performance and further information about the Drama Festival is available at www.alley-theatre.com.
Full details of the Strabane St Patrick’s Day celebrations are available at: www.derrystrabane.com/stpatricksdaystrabane and follow St Patrick’s Day Strabane on Facebook for all the latest information.
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