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Armagh and Downpatrick go green for St Patrick's Day

Thousands enjoyed the St Patrick's Day parade in Armagh. Picture by Matt Bohill/Pacemaker Press
Thousands enjoyed the St Patrick's Day parade in Armagh. Picture by Matt Bohill/Pacemaker Press Thousands enjoyed the St Patrick's Day parade in Armagh. Picture by Matt Bohill/Pacemaker Press

THE ecclesiastical city of Armagh yesterday celebrated St Patrick's Day with a massive display of colour, music, dance and entertainment.

The city was awash with green as thousands of people gathered for the St Patrick's Festival, a joint initiative in Armagh and Down to celebrate the life of the patron saint.

Billed as "the biggest-ever festival of its kind in the UK and Ireland", a combined programme of more than 100 events across the counties over the past week has brought the best of culture, music, song and dance to key locations.

Bound together by the importance and significance of their locations in the life of St Patrick, his legacy and mission, the two councils have provided exhibitions, lectures, special walks and various events.

The culmination of the festivities came yesterday with the cross-community carnival parades in Armagh and Downpatrick.

The theme for this year’s processions was Feasts and Wild Beasts, with the streets of Armagh witnessing a spectacular display.

The parade was also streamed live to the United States on Irish TV.

In Downpatrick, the home of the patron saint, there was a spectacular cavalcade of floats, bands and fancy dress for their traditional parade.

Stiltwalkers, drummers and an accordion band in fancy dress were among the many highlights of the procession.

Terence Brannigan, chairman of Tourism NI, said it is keen to seen Northern Ireland" recognised as the most authentic cultural destination in the world for celebrating St Patrick and exploring his legacy".

Parades and celebrations were also held at venues in Newry, Enniskillen and Omagh featuring top musical highlights.