Strabane gearing up for a fabulous St Patrick’s celebration
13 March 2023
Final preparations are underway in Strabane for the much-anticipated St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations set to have people dancing in the streets this Friday, March 17.
Final preparations are underway in Strabane for the much-anticipated St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations set to have people dancing in the streets this Friday, March 17.
Looking ahead to the festivities, the public are being advised to check out the programme and to plan their visit to enjoy the very best experience on the big day. The town centre will be buzzing with activity, with plenty of craic agus ceol to entertain throughout the afternoon.
Some road closures and diversions will be in place to facilitate the parade, so motorists in particular are being asked to be patient and avoid the busier areas if possible. Traffic restrictions will be in place from approximately 1.30pm – 4.30pm along the main parade route and motorists are advised to expect some delays and diversions to facilitate the parade. Road closures and diversions will be kept to the minimum length necessary to allow the safe passage of the parade so please allow extra time due to high volume of traffic within the town centre. Drivers are reminded that normal on street parking restrictions will be in place and that they should avoid parking anywhere they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency services access.
The event is led by Derry City and Strabane District Council, and looking ahead to Friday, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said she hoped to see a great turnout for the celebrations. “St Patrick’s Day in Strabane is always a fantastic day out with a wonderful carnival atmosphere. There is plenty going on with activities and entertainment for all ages, from arts and crafts to live music throughout the day. Not to mention hundreds of local people all taking part in the parade itself from local schools, sports clubs, and community groups. They have all been working hard to create the springtime props and costumes that will bring the festival to life. The celebration also provides a great boost for local businesses with so many people out and about in the town centre, so I hope to see a great crowd coming out to support the event.”
The parade itself will leave Holy Cross College at 2pm, making its way along the Melmount Road, down Bridge Street, through Market Street and Abercorn Square, before travelling along Railway Street before finishing at Canal Street at approximately 3pm. There will be live music in Abercorn Square throughout the event to keep the crowds entertained.
The Alley Theatre will be a hive of activity throughout the afternoon, 1.30pm – 4.30pm, with free arts and craft workshops with some renowned local artists. While the kids are busy being creative, the adults can enjoy festive music in the Alley Bar from Seisiém –béim ar an óige, Craic Youth and Anne-Marie Devine. Then round off the day with some drama courtesy of the Lifford Players, who open the Strabane Drama Festival at 7.30pm with their production of When Elephants Collide by Edward Flannagan.
For full details on everything that’s happening as well as the latest Traffic and Travel Information, visit: www.derrystrabane.com/stpatricksdaystrabane