On 17 March, people will line the streets of Belfast City Centre to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The city will become awash with colour and splendour for the annual carnival parade, as community groups from all four corners of the city join with professional and amateur performers, musicians and acrobats to celebrate St Patrick.
The theme for the 2011 carnival parade is ‘the environment’ – what we can do to reduce our waste and keep Belfast clean and tidy.
Carnival coordinators, The Beat will work with groups across the city to explore the theme of recycling and landmark elements of Belfast.
Belfast and its skyline will be depicted in the carnival procession with a Samson and Goliath float featuring a dare devil puppet making his way between the 2 famous cranes. Musicians and percussionists will entertain the crowd playing instruments made from recycled materials and you’ll also see the lowest fuel emission car, powered by keen runners! There will be an array of performers whose mission it will be to clean the streets of the Belfast as the carnival moves through the city centre with a specially designed ‘Belfast Dust Buster’.
The parade led by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery will depart from Belfast City Hall at 12noon, making its way through the rejuvenated city centre. Current World and European Pipe Band Champions, St Lawrence O’Toole will head up the carnival procession. The Dublin based pipe band comprises players from Ireland, UK, Canada and South Africa.
Colourful floats, music, marching bands and carnival performers will wow the crowd, enlivening the streets of Belfast City Centre.
The parade will finish at Custom House Square where an outdoor concert will take place. The free concert compered by Citybeat’s very own Stephen Clements will begin at 1pm and finish at approximately 3pm.
Revelers can expect an array of dance and musical entertainment, including music from Pure Blarney. Their extensive repertoire covers the sounds of Van Morrison, The Pogues, The Saw Doctors and much more. Dance performances by Doherty School of Irish Dance, Bright Lights and Artsekta will add a multicultural flavour to the event.
Concert goers are in for a real treat as both Lemar and ‘I’m a Celebrity’ 2010 winner, Stacey Solomon, will take to the stage. Stacey, who finished third in 2009’s X Factor stunned judges and viewers alike with her angelic, powerful voice and quickly became a much loved public figure. Multi-platinum, chart-topping, award-winning singer Lemar will be singing tracks from his album ‘The Hits’ while Stacey will sing hits from the past and present.
Entry to the concert will be on a first come first served basis. Gates will open at 12 noon and under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Come to Belfast this St Patrick’s Day, for a great day out for all the whole family.
For more information, please contact Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events
