16/03/2009

St Patrick Celebrations Hit Belfast

It's carnival time in Belfast as thousands get ready to flock to the city centre and party the patron saint's day away.

The parade - at noon - is from the City Hall along Donegall Place to Castle Junction, into Castle Place, along High Street and into Custom House Square.

The Beat Initiative, who are organising the carnival on behalf of Belfast City Council, have been working with community groups from across Belfast to create their own colourful carnival pieces to take part in the parade.

This year's theme 'Legends, Myths and Stories' will see a variety of the groups joined by a "host of carnival performers, carnival floats and music from local traditions fused with carnival styles", according to a Council spokesman.

There's even a free concert featuring X Factor finalist, Eoghan Quigg, from Dungiven.

Both Eoghan and top DJ Pete Snodden are headlining this year's spectacular St Patrick's Day concert at Custom House Square.

The concert will begin at 1pm, after the carnival parade.

Other performers include Celtic fusionists Bréag, Belfast-based traditional Irish five-piece At First Light and pioneering percussionists Torann.

However, there are no tickets available - all tickets have now been allocated and there will be no access to the concert without a ticket.

See: St Patrick's Day Boost As 'Springfield' Pays A Visit

(BMcC/JM)

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