Armagh showcases culture, art, music, song and dance with five day festival
A spectacular line-up of events will soon get underway as part of Armagh’s St Patrick’s Day Festival, which takes place in venues right across the City from the 13th-17th March. The five day festival includes a host of family-friendly, cultural and fun-filled events which will culminate in a spectacular display of music, dance and entertainment at the much-anticipated carnival procession on Monday 17th March.
The festival opens on Thursday 13th March with The Poet, The Piper and The Painter, at the Navan Centre and Fort. This event will celebrate Armagh’s culture of poetry, piping, and painting and will treat visitors to a showcase of creative talent, including readings from poets Noel Monahan and Gearoid MacLochlann; piping from Conor Mallon, Fearghal Hosty-Blaney and Kieron Breen; and a display of work and an interview with local artist JB Vallely.
Continuing the celebration of Armagh’s talents the festival will host a weekend of lively music and entertainment featuring traditional music sessions and concerts in many of Armagh city’s popular bars, restaurants and live music venues, starting on Friday 14th March. Music lovers can follow this special ‘trad trail’ and experience the best in traditional music and culture along with lots of craic from Armagh’s warm, welcoming bars and restaurants.
Local musicians can get in on the act with the return of Armagh’s ‘Busking in the City’ competition which will see four lucky musicians share a prize fund of £1,100. Busking in the City will take place throughout Saturday 15th March with unique sounds and top class artists performing on every corner across the City Centre.
The fun doesn’t stop there as Saturday 15th March will see Armagh’s Market Square come alive at the annual Saint Patrick’s Festival Concert with breath-taking performances from The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, who have been described as ‘bagpipes with attitude’ and who have been rocking their sounds all over the world. This free event will be compered by Cool FM DJ, Connor Philips and will also include music from support acts Castlestreet, the Legend of Luke Kelly, Catherin Grimley and The McCuskers, plus a special appearance from Mentalist David Meade.
Concluding the amazing line-up of events will be the popular carnival procession on Saint Patrick’s Day, Monday 17th March, as Armagh will burst with colour, music and dance with a procession from the Palace demesne to Armagh City Centre. As well as colourful floats, marching bands and street performances, the event will also include music on the square from ‘More Power To Your Elbow’ at the main stage in the City Centre as well as free family fun at the Shambles.
Commenting on the annual celebrations, Lord Mayor, Robert Turner, said:
“The excitement is really starting to build for this fantastic annual festival which will bring many locals and visitors to the City to experience the great atmosphere and wonderful venues Armagh has to offer. There is always an amazing buzz across the City for this celebratory event and it’s great to see so many people, young and old get involved.”
The popular festival will also see a host of other events across the City including an impressive line-up of shows at The Market Place Theatre as well as church services in Armagh’s two cathedrals and other churches, plus guided tours and historical events at Armagh’s many attractions such as the Navan Fort and Franciscian Friary.
Guides for the St Patrick’s festival are available at City Centre venues now or they can be downloaded from www.armagh.co.uk or contact the Armagh Tourist Information Centre for more details 028 3752 1800.
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