Final preparations underway for Strabane’s 20th anniversary St Patrick’s Day Parade

Derry City and Strabane District Council and their community partners are this week putting the finishing touches to a vibrant programme to mark the 20th anniversary of the town’s much-loved St Patrick’s Day Parade.

A wide range of family activities and entertainment are planned for across the town centre on Tuesday, March 17.

In Abercorn Square, local duo The Misty Days will provide live music, while children can enjoy face painting and arts and crafts in the pagoda.

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

Participating schools include St Catherine’s Primary School, Holy Cross College, and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, while community groups 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.

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Adding extra flair to this milestone year, Streetwise Community Circus has worked closely with over 120 local schoolchildren, who will carry specially created props and showcase skills such as juggling and stilt walking, alongside banners, costumes, and colourful displays developed in the lead-up to the parade.

The Council thanks all schools, community organisations, sports clubs, dance schools, and performers for their continued support over the past two decades, which has helped make Strabane’s St Patrick’s Day Parade a vibrant and cherished community celebration.

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

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, will lead the parade and encouraged people to come out and join the festivities.

“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.

For full details of Strabane’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, visit www.derrystrabane.com/stpatricksdaystrabane and follow St Patrick’s Day Strabane on Facebook for the latest updates.