Belfast St Patrick's Day Celebrations Announced

A carnival parade and free open-air concert are among Belfast City Council's plans for St Patrick's Day in the city.

The event on Tuesday 17 March will see chart-topping act Cascada perform at Custom House Square.

Under the theme 'Protecting the Environment and Climate Change', the streets will come alive with eye-catching floats, performers and magnificent costumes with representation from all corners of Belfast, as it snakes its way through the city centre, led by the city's first citizen, Lord Mayor Councillor Daniel Baker.

Departing City Hall at 12.30pm, it will travel along Chichester Street and Victoria Street, onto High Street and Donegall Street before finishing at Writers' Square. A short walk away in Custom House Square, the free concert will take place from 1.30pm to 4pm featuring local bands All Folk'd Up and the Banjacks and a special performance from the Loughgiel Irish dancers. The concert will then play host to Ibiza favourite DJ and saxophonist musical duo, Ben Santiago and Lovely Laura and the global, multi-platinum dance act Cascada - performing some of her hits including 'Everytime We Touch' and 'Evacuate the Dancefloor'.

Q Radio's duo Ryan and Jordan will be the the presenters on stage during the concert, entry to which will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Speaking at the launch of the celebrations at City Hall, Cllr Baker said: "I really can't wait for this year's St Patrick's Day celebrations in Belfast! They're bigger and better than ever this year with hundreds expected to line the streets to watch the colourful and vibrant carnival parade before enjoying the free concert at Custom House Square.

"St Patrick came to Ireland on a boat, he tended sheep on Slemish Mountain and used the Shamrock to deliver his message. He understood how important respecting and protecting the land and sea are so with that in mind, we have chosen 'Protecting the Environment and Climate Change' as the parade's theme this year. These are two important messages the Council wants to highlight in a fun, engaging way.

"At Custom House Square, when the parade finishes, we will be hosting a fantastic concert with a star line-up including local traditional bands and Irish dancers, as well as, international acts like Cascada to get the crowds dancing! It's a great family day out so we'd encourage everyone to come into town on St Patrick's Day and enjoy the celebrations!"

Orla Ross, Corporate Communications Director at Q Radio, added: "Q Radio is delighted to be the official media partner of this year's St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Packed with family fun and a great line-up of performers, our presenters Ryan and Jordan are looking forward to hosting the event in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture and community on the 17th!"

Ahead of the carnival parade and concert in the city centre, SPAR Craic 10k will take place earlier that day with 2,000 people running in the race which leaves City Hall at 9am and finishes at Ormeau Park.

St George's Market has a bumper weekend of St Patrick's Day celebrations and activities running from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 March. Féile an Earraigh, which begins on 01 March with over 70 events including live music, debates and discussions, plays and youth events also reaches its finale on St Patrick's Day.