Record numbers to take to streets for St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival parade in Londonderry
Derry's famous show will feature over 800 participants
Londonderry is gearing up for thousands of people to descend on the city centre for the annual action-packed St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations.
The programme includes music, dance, food and folklore and a parade which will feature a record number of over 800 participants.
This year’s theme is ‘Out of the Darkness into the Light’ celebrating the arrival of spring and all the colour it brings with it.
Entertainment and activity are planned for the Guildhall Square, the Peace Garden, and the Craft Village. However, the centrepiece event will once again be the North West Carnival Initiative’s Spring Carnival Parade. The showstopping event will feature flamboyant performances from local dance groups, sports clubs and community organisations.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, is urging the public to familiarize themselves with the parking, traffic and travel arrangements. She said: “After the long dark nights of winter, excitement is really building for our first major event of 2024 and I’m really looking forward to joining St Patrick and all the performers for our Spring Carnival parade
“As always with an event of this scale there will be some temporary restrictions in place and I’d encourage people to familiarise themselves with the arrangements before travelling and to use public transport and active travel where suitable.
“There’s some brilliant activity and entertainment planned all around the city centre from 1pm – 6pm so access the programme now to plan your experience and I look forward to seeing you all on St Patrick’s Day!”
In order to facilitate the parade there will be some temporary traffic restrictions in place from approximately 1:30pm – 5pm.
Traffic restrictions
Parking restrictions will be in effect from Boating Club Lane to Clarendon Street, Shipquay Street, Bishop Street, Bishop Street Carpark, Strand Road Carpark and Foyle Street Carpark.
The parade will depart from Bishop Street at 3pm and pass through The Diamond, Shipquay Street, Whitaker Street, Foyle Embankment, Harbour Square Roundabout and down the Strand Road to Strand Road carpark.
Accessible parking will be available in Foyle Street Car Park on a first come first served basis where there will be a viewing area for the parade as it passes the Guildhall.
A quiet space and baby feeding area will be available in the Guildhall.
Sunday March 17th is also the flag day for the Mayor’s chosen charities for her year in office, the Ryan McBride Foundation and the Foyle Hospice, and collectors will be around the city centre on the day asking for people to donate what they can.
Event times
The Main Stage at Guildhall Square will host live music from 1pm – 6pm featuring local musicians, while inside the Guildhall, the Main Hall will host a traditional Irish music and a relaxed ceili dance session.
Alongside the stage, there will be food stalls from midday until 6pm.
The Bounce Festival in the Peace Garden is happening from 1pm – 6pm featuring a stretch tent, circus skills workshops, acrobatic and parkour performances and interactive performers.
The Craft Village will also have live traditional music and Irish dancing.
Free arts and crafts for children can be accessed in Waterloo Place, Tower Museum and the Guildhall.
Where possible, the public are strongly advised to use the public transport system or to consider walking to the event.
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