Northern Ireland

From Derry to Downpatrick, crowds flock to enjoy St Patrick's Day celebrations

Mayor Sandra Duffy dancing with St Patrick at the St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Mayor Sandra Duffy dancing with St Patrick at the St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Mayor Sandra Duffy dancing with St Patrick at the St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

DERRY, Newry, Armagh and Downpatrick were among the many towns and cities hosting their own St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Rivalling Derry’s famous Halloween celebrations, thousands of spectators in green flocked to the city centre to watch a spectacular parade led mayor Sandra Duffy, who danced along the streets with St Patrick.

Among those enjoying the festivities was toddler Roisin Harrigan from the city based Na Magha Hurling Club.

The main parade was staged by North West Carnival Initiative, with a theme of recycle and renewal.

Starting off on Bishop Street, the parade passed cheering crowds along the Diamond, Shipquay Street before ending on the Strand Road.

The St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
The St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin The St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

In keeping with the environmental message, the spectacular costumes on display reflected the main elements of nature - fire, air, earth and water.

Traditional Irish musicians had also set the tone for the day outside Guildhall Square, where children were entertained by a drama performance of A Tale of Fairies.

Raising awareness of homelessness, Ms Duffy also hosted a 24-hour busk from Friday evening to collect funds for her dedicated charity, First Aid Housing and Support Services.

Mayor Sandra Duffy dancing with St Patrick at the St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Mayor Sandra Duffy dancing with St Patrick at the St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Mayor Sandra Duffy dancing with St Patrick at the St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations in Derry on Friday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

“We have some of the best musicians and performers across the North West here in our town and we’re really grateful that they’re taking the time out to support this incredibly worthy fundraiser," she said.

"From comedians to school choirs and everything in between, I can confirm that the entertainment will be fantastic over the event."

In Downpatrick, the final resting place of St Patrick, parade organisers lived up to their promise of “a feast for eyes and ears as swirling dancers, community floats and costumed characters” entertained the crowds.

This week, the Saint Patrick Centre also reopened to the public following a £200,000 renovation, which includes a new section showcasing how Ireland’s patron saint is celebrated across the world.

In Newry, the main parade was compered by broadcaster Julian Simmons before McClelland Park was transformed into Newry’s Family Festival Village for the day.

The religious significance of St Patrick’s Day took centre stage in Armagh, where it’s believed Patrick first began his Christian mission.

On the eve of St Patrick’s Day, the leaders of the Catholic Church in Ireland and the Church of Ireland lead a torchlit vigil between the two Cathedrals to symbolise a unifying message, while the main parade was held on Friday.