BELFAST is preparing for a St Patrick’s Day spectacular with an extended festival celebrating the city’s musical heritage.
This year’s celebrations are themed around Voices of Belfast, showcasing the rich musical traditions from folk to punk and electronica.
The festivities will begin on Thursday March 16 with a free and family friendly concert in Custom House Square headlined by the award winning singer/songwriter Lisa Hannigan.
Organised by the Duncairn Arts Centre, the alcohol-free gig will also feature performances by trad supergroup Jiggy, ethnic dance group Shamrock Bhangra and acclaimed folk singer David Keenan.
Young revellers can enjoy free face painting, circus performers, balloon artists and buskers.
On St Patrick’s Day, Belfast will once again come alive with music, dance and theatrics with the annual parade organised by Beat Carnival snaking its way through the city centre.
Leaving City Hall at 1.30pm, the parade will travel through Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place, Donegall Place and back to City Hall.
Belfast Lord Mayor Tina Black said: “I am so looking forward to everything that’s in store for St Patrick’s Day this year; the city is going to be buzzing. As a UNESCO City of Music, not surprisingly music will be at the heart of our celebrations; with musicians from across the island of Ireland taking part in Féile’s trad trail in venues across the city. And our St Patrick’s Eve concert looks set to be a fantastic evening and one that all the family can enjoy.
“I’m really excited about leading the St Patrick’s Day parade and seeing the city come alive with colour and performances. The parade is always a huge hit with hundreds of people lining the route and soaking up the atmosphere. I would encourage everyone to come and join in the fun and be part of this vibrant celebration of our city.”
David Boyd, Beat Carnival Director said: “We’re working on a ‘Voices of Belfast’ cavalcade to present colourful pictures of our rich musical life. Sounds of ancient horns will lead the parade, followed by lively trad from our folk and percussion community.
Of course, we need some disco for dancing on the street and there’ll also be a punk choir.”
Féile’s Trad Trail will also be taking place from March 10-19 in venues across Belfast’s Gaeltacht Quarter and city centre.
Tickets for the free concert at Custom House Square on March 16, will be available via Visit Belfast’s website from Monday 6 March at 10am.
For more info on the full programme of St Patrick’s Day events including ticketing info, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricks.
