Derry awash with colour as city celebrates St Patrick’s Day in style
18 March 2026
Derry was awash with colour, music and dance this afternoon as tens of thousands of people lined the streets for the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The highlight of the festivities was the city’s famous Spring Carnival parade that featured over 800 performers and over 20 groups who created a kaleidoscope of colour through the city centre.
The parade was led by St Patrick himself and Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Niree McMorris, who were followed by dance troupes, community groups, sports clubs and large inflatable props including a giant snake, cheetah and sun.
The city centre was busy all afternoon as members of the public enjoyed Derry City and Strabane District Council’s programme of music, dance, food and folklore in Guildhall Square, the Craft Village, Waterloo Place and the Guildhall.
“On behalf of Council I want to congratulate all the musicians, dancers, sports clubs and community groups who created an unforgettable experience and atmosphere for the huge crowds who took part in our St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations,” said Alderman McMorris.
“The sight of the parade winding its way through the city with thousands of people at either side of the street was breathtaking and leading that parade with St Patrick is an experience I will never forget.
“Our city is brimming with creativity and talent and it was truly heart warming to see them coming together for today’s celebration, even the rain couldn’t dampen their spirits.”
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, thanked all their partners who contributed to the delivery of the event.
“We were delighted to host another successful St Patricks’ Day Spring Carnival festival and early indications are that we had tens of thousands of spectators in the city centre which makes all the work of our team and partners worthwhile.
“From early afternoon there was a carnival atmosphere in the city centre as people came out to enjoy the entertainment in and around the city centre.
“It’s been a wonderful start to festival season in city and there is much more to look forward to in the coming months including the North West Angling Fair in Strabane, the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the Foyle Maritime Festival just a few months away.”