Strabane set to celebrate 20th anniversary of St Patrick’s Day Parade in style

Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced a vibrant programme of events to mark the 20th anniversary of Strabane’s much-loved St Patrick’s Day Parade.

There will be activity across the town centre as Strabane celebrates this milestone year on Tuesday, March 17.

As the parade makes its way towards the town, those gathering along the route can enjoy light entertainment and family-friendly activities.

In Abercorn Square, live music will be provided by local duo Misty Days, along with face painting and arts and crafts in the pagoda to entertain the crowds while they wait for the parade to arrive.

The highlight of the celebrations will once again be the town’s renowned parade, featuring participants from local schools, sports clubs, community organisations, bands and performance groups — with a few surprises promised along the route.

Schools taking part in this milestone year include St Catherine’s Primary School, Holy Cross College and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh.

Community groups joining the procession include Lisnafin Ardnalee Trust CCDA,  Sion Swifts FC, Sigersons GAA, Browne-McGranaghan Academy of Irish Dance, Emma Coulter School of Irish Dance, Much Ado Performing Arts Academy, Class Act Theatre Group, Encore PAA and many more amazing local groups who will help make this year’s parade extra special.

Adding extra flair to this year’s festivities, Streetwise Community Circus has been working closely with local schoolchildren in the lead-up to the parade. More than 120 children will participate, each carrying specially created props. Participants have been learning circus skills such as juggling and stilt walking, while also exploring prop design, costume creation and banner-making to ensure a colourful and confident display on parade day.

The Council would like to sincerely thank all the schools, community organisations, sports clubs, dance schools and performers for their continued support, dedication and effort each year. Their commitment over the past two decades has helped make Strabane’s St Patrick’s Day Parade the vibrant and much-loved celebration it is today.

Following the parade, celebrations will continue across the town centre, with many local bars hosting live music from early afternoon into the evening.

Encouraging residents and visitors alike to join the festivities, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said Strabane has a proud tradition of hosting lively and entertaining St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

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“It’s been a long, cold winter and I think we are all ready to welcome the warmer, brighter days of spring. What better way to greet the new season than with the town’s 20th anniversary St Patrick’s Day Parade – full of fun, colour, music and dance.

“I would encourage everyone to come out and support all the young people and individuals who have worked so hard to create this wonderful spectacle for you to enjoy.”

This year’s parade will depart from Holy Cross College at 2pm, travelling along Melmount Road, Bridge Street and Market Street, passing Abercorn Square and continuing along Railway Road before concluding at Dock Street.

Full details of Strabane’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are available at www.derrystrabane.com/ stpatricksdaystrabane.
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