Derry St Patrick’s Day celebrations to celebrate rebirth and renewal
6 February 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council have announced a packed programme of music, dance, food and folklore for the city’s 2026 St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations.This year’s programme will celebrate the theme of ‘What we nurture will flourish and what we protect will endure’ with a wide range of activity planned in and around the city centre.
The centrepiece of the celebrations will be the North West Carnival Initiative’s acclaimed Spring Carnival Parade, which will make its way through the city centre from 3pm.
The parade will feature flamboyant performances from local dance groups, sports clubs and community organisations.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, launched the full programme this week in Guildhall Square with Cara Wilson-Hegarty from the Derry Dance Collective who will take part in the parade.
“Excitement is already starting to build for our 2026 St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations,” he said.
“There’s a noticeable stretch in the evenings now, and the first shoots of growth will soon begin to appear in our green spaces.
“The colourful spectacle of hundreds of performers weaving their way through the city centre in front of thousands of spectators has become one of the iconic sights of St Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
“It’s always a fantastic day out for all the family, with lots of activity and entertainment planned.
“I would encourage everyone to access the programme now and get involved.”
Festival and Events Manager at Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said preparations are well under way to welcome record numbers of visitors to the city.
“The St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival programme offers something for all the family, with music, entertainment and activities taking place in the city centre from early afternoon,” she said.
“From live music to captivating street performances and walkabout characters, the city will come alive with energy and excitement.
“In recent years, the city’s celebrations have attracted more than 30,000 spectators and increasing numbers of visitors are choosing our Council area as their destination to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.”
The full programme for the 2026 Spring Carnival celebrations in Derry and Strabane is available now at derrystrabane.com/springcarnival.