'Spectacle Of Colour And Music' For St Patrick's Weekend

Belfast's St Patrick's Day celebrations will provide "something for everyone" with a "spectacle of colour and music and a cornucopia of other attractions to enchant and enjoy".

Celebrations will include the traditional St Patrick's Day Parade led by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, a concert at Custom House Square, events from Féile an Earraigh; the Spar Craic 10k race and two saints joining forces with St Patrick's events at St George's Market.

Announcing the 2019 events, Lord Mayor Councillor Deirdre Hargey said: "We have an exciting line-up and hope visitors will really make a weekend of it with even more to see and do than usual.

"Beat Carnival has worked with us to create a colourful, exciting, fun parade that will create 'oohs and aahhs' as it passes by and encourage everyone's feet to get tapping to the rhythm. The theme is 'City of Equals' so besides the eye-catching floats and costumes there will be global musicians alongside community groups.

"St Patrick's weekend is a chance to soak up the city's lively atmosphere its hidden gems, fantastic food and drink, shopping and other attractions,” said Councillor Hargey.

"The Craic 10k earlier in the morning always bring a lot of people onto the streets to support the runners and the atmosphere around the city just builds from there.

"Let's make St Patrick's weekend the one to remember in Belfast," added the Lord Mayor.

The parade starts from Belfast City Hall at 12.30pm on Sunday, 17 March, and will travel along Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street and Donegall Street before finishing at Writers Square.

Gates for the Custom House Square concert opens at 1.15pm on Sunday afternoon and access will be first come first served with no ticket required. Headliners will be The Vengaboys singing some of their multi- platinum hits along with traditional music from 'The Whistlin' Donkeys' Irish dancing with the 'Fusion Fighters by Steppin Out', County Down singing sensation, Catherine McGrath, who recently supported Michael Bublé in concert, and one of Ireland's finest guitarists, Ryan Sheridan.

St George's Market will be open 10am-4pm on St Patrick's Day offering a taste of traditional Irish food, music and dance. Try a taste of this and that with every stall offering something different to eye, eat and enjoy or find a bargain among the goods on offer.

Celebrations will continue in the Ulster Hall with music and dance at the Age-friendly Belfast St Patrick's Day Tea Dance. The tea dances will take place on Sunday 17 March 2018, from 12 noon to 2pm and from 3pm to 5pm with live music and a cup of tea! Free tickets are available from 9am on Monday 25th February 2017 by calling 9033 4455 or in person at the Ulster Hall Box Office.

In addition, Féile an Earraigh (Spring Festival) which is running from 11-17 March will also have events in the run up to St Patrick's Day, including concerts, tours, walks, debates/discussions drama exhibitions and family events.