March has arrived, which means one thing: Ireland’s national holiday is just around the corner and boy, are we ready to celebrate!
Belfast is set to host an exciting 11-day citywide celebration for St Patrick’s Day this year. Beginning on 10 March, the exciting programme of events will offer a creative line-up of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The event will honour Ireland’s patron saint and paint the streets in all shades of green. Belfast City Council awarded creative development funding to four organisations tasked with coming up with the new exciting celebrations.
To find out more about what to expect throughout the city for St Patrick’s Day this March, read on.
Bigger and better than ever – an extended citywide celebration
Taking place from 10 to 20 March, Belfast is hosting a reimagined 11-day citywide celebration for St Patrick’s Day. Planned to be bigger and better than ever, the celebration plans to be a fun and welcoming event for all.
The line-up of celebrations includes everything from a live concert on 16 March to a St Patrick’s Day carnival pageant. There will also be a trad music trail, a community showcase event, and much more.
Belfast to host an 11-day citywide celebration for St Patrick’s Day – an exciting programme of events
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, spoke about the event. She said, “After two years of being unable to host our usual St Patrick’s Day event, I am thrilled that it is back this year.”
Continuing, she said that this year’s event will be “bigger and better than ever”.
“It’s great to have the input of community organisations too to help make this a citywide celebration that will appeal to a wide range of people, young and old, from all corners of our city, with plenty of free activities happening day and night across the 11 days.”
The event will celebrate everything from Irish music to culture, history, and more. Businesses hope the event will attract revellers from all across Ireland and further afield to the Northern Irish capital.
A family-friendly concert – a tribute to Belfast’s musical feel
The family-friendly concert will be on 16 March between 5 pm and 9 pm in Custom House Square. The event will be free to attend. Duncairn Centre, supported by the Arts Council NI, will deliver the concert.
Featuring some of the best Irish musical talent, performances from over 20 independent Irish musicians will take place. Duo Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill are among the acts participating. Rising star Tolü Makay and folk artist Joshua Burnside will also perform at the concert.
Cllr Nicholl said, “As a UNESCO City of Music, music will play a major role this year with a Féile Trad Trail running from 10 March and a St Patrick’s Eve concert at Custom House Square.
“The concert promises to be a real family-friendly affair this year, featuring authentic homegrown talent. And, on St Patrick’s Day itself, I’m excited to be leading Beat Carnival’s pageant parade and am really looking forward to seeing the city come alive with colour and performances.”
You can access tickets online at Visit Belfast from 10 am on Thursday 3 March. Tickets are limited to a maximum of four per person.
Tickets can be found: HERE
