Belfast's St Patrick's Day Celebrations Will Have The X Factor

Belfast's St Patrick's Day celebrations will have the X factor this year with a massive line up of music, dancing and street entertainment that will bring the city to life.

A colourful parade will leave City Hall at 12pm on Saturday, March 17, and make its way through the streets to Custom House Square where a free concert will see a host of top class acts entertaining the crowds.

Former X-Factor contestant Sophie Habibis will top the bill alongside the world-class Red Hot Chilli Pipers, bands Ashelin and Shake, traditional music group Pure Blarney and dancers from the Royal Tara School of Irish Dancing and Bright Lights Ulster Scots dance school.

Launching the St Patrick’s Day programme today, Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile said it promised to be a fun-filled family day out.

He added: "The theme of this year’s event is ‘2012 – one amazing year’. Belfast is in for a massive year of celebrations and important milestones and this will be the city’s first big party of 2012.

"The carnival parade is something people look forward to every year; the imaginative costumes and colourful floats, not to mention the great street entertainment. And of course the free concert in Custom House Square has a great line-up that will appeal to all ages. It’s set to be a great day out for all the family and I hope everyone comes along and joins in the craic."

Sophie Habibis said she was delighted at being asked to be part of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

"It’ll be my first visit to Belfast and I’m so looking forward to performing at Custom House Square; it’s going to be such good fun. I’ve heard that there’s a real buzz about the city so I can’t wait to experience that," said Sophie.

"It’s great to be on the road doing what I love most and to be part of Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations is a huge honour."

Hosting this year’s concert in Custom House Square will be DJ Pete Snodden and the Cool Crew.

Pete said: "We can’t wait for this year’s celebrations – the atmosphere is always electric and the craic is great."

The parade, which has been organised by The Beat Carnival, will leave City Hall at 12 noon and make its way to Custom House Square where performers will be on stage from 1pm-3pm.

For more information on the event and all the acts taking part visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events

(GK)