Belfast Celebrates St Patrick's Day With 17-Day Programme

Belfast is gearing up for a 17-day celebration of St Patrick's Day, with a packed programme of events and cultural activities running from 01–17 March.

The annual St Patrick's Day parade will take place on Monday, March 17th, starting at City Hall at 1:30 pm. Local dance troupes, schools, community groups, and musicians will participate in the parade, which will wind its way through the city centre.

Belfast TradFest will host a four-day music festival from 14–17 March, featuring concerts, céilís, displays, workshops, and a solo Highland piping competition. Ticketed highlights include performances by Blackwater Céilí Band, Afro Celt Sound System, Máirtín O'Connor, and Cara Dillon. The festival will culminate in a free family-friendly Festival Village in Cathedral Gardens and St Anne's Square on 17 March, with music, dance, food, and activities.

Féile an Phobail will also contribute to the celebrations with Irish traditional music and workshops in venues across the city from 10–17 March, including the Féile Trad Trail with over 100 sessions.

Spraoi Cois Lao, a large Irish language family fun day organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail, will take place at Custom House Square on Saturday, 08 March, from 1 pm to 4 pm. The event will feature various activities, all through the medium of Irish. Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia, an international festival celebrating Irish language and culture, will run from 01–17 March, offering a range of events for learners and fluent speakers.

"This year's extended St Patrick's Day programme promises to be a multi-cultural celebration of music, culture, the Irish language and community," said Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray. "We have a fantastic programme of live performances for people to enjoy, as well as events and workshops for aspiring musicians."

Dónal O'Connor, Artistic Director with Belfast TradFest, added, "Belfast TradFest is delighted to present 60 hours of traditional arts events... culminating in a free family-friendly Festival Village in the Cathedral Quarter."

Kevin Gamble, Director at Féile an Phobail, said: "Féile an Phobail is delighted to be involved in this year's St Patrick's Day festivities. Come along and enjoy the Irish trad sessions, and the craic, as we celebrate St Patrick's in Belfast!”

Dearbhail Uí Bhiataigh from Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia said: "The Irish language is flourishing throughout Belfast, and we want to create more opportunities to use and see the language... so whether you have a cúpla focal, are fluent or want to find out more about the language, be sure to join us!"

For more information on St Patrick's Day events, including dates, times, and ticket information, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricks.