Spring in their step as Clooney residents prepare for parade

With the return of the Spring Carnival and its popular parade set to go ahead next week, the boys and girls of Clooney Estate have been working hard with paints, flowers and fairy dust to create some spectacular and special props that will make their debut next Thursday in the city centre.

The Clooney residents have been receiving workshops courtesy of the North West Carnival Initiative and Council, to give them lots of tips and tricks on how to produce the most colourful and eye-catching pieces.

Steve McCrudden, manager of the Clooney Community Centre and Youth Club where the workshops are taking place, said that the children have enjoyed working with the experts from NWCI and can’t wait to see their pieces on display next week.

“The children have had a fantastic time making the different pieces for the parade and are looking forward to displaying their creations at the parade,” Steve said. 

“It has been a tough few years' of restricted activities for the kids and they have really embraced the return of group work and workshops and enjoying each other's company.

“They are having lots of fun with the messiness and intricacy of the crafts workshops and looking forward to the big event on March 17.”

Jim Collins, North West Carnival Initiative, added that it was great to have the parade back as the centrepiece of the Spring Carnival after three years.

“We are delighted to be back working on a St Patrick’s Day parade and once again we are putting the community at the centre of it," he said.

"The preparation is in full swing now and alongside ourselves, we have groups all over the city working hard on some special and spectacular props and floats for everyone to enjoy next week.”

The 'Rebirth & Renewal' Spring Carnival Parade will set off from Bishop Street at 3pm on Thursday March 17 and will see mythical creatures snake their way through the city's streets along with a host of characters representing young people from fables and fairy tales from faraway lands.

The North West Carnival Initiative is working alongside Greater Shantallow Community Arts, In Your Space and Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership to engage participants from local schools, youth clubs, and arts and cultural organisations for the event.

As well as the parade there will also be traditional Irish music in Waterloo Place from 1pm to 6pm and a Magical Land of the Fairies & Little People in the Peace Garden, delivered by Greater Shantallow Community Arts/Studio2 Creative Enterprises.

For more information on the Spring Carnival parade and programme, visit derrystrabane.com/ springcarnival