LIMERICK’S 2015 St Patrick’s Festival is to celebrate the theme of ‘Spring’, it was revealed this week.
Registration is now open to anyone interested in participating in the Limerick St Patrickʼs Day Parade, which will see an estimated 70,000 people line the city’s streets on Tuesday March 17.
Participants are encouraged to embrace the theme and get creative with their entries.
Mayor of Limerick City and County Council Kevin Sheahan said people can expect “a festival of colour, noise and entertainment for Limerick’s largest audience”.
“As well as artistically creating a themed entry, we are encouraging participants to perform and entertain as they proudly parade through the main streets of Limerick. Whether it is showing off football or judo skills, dance or skateboard moves we really urge groups to come up with exciting ways of demonstrating what they do to the anticipating crowd. It is your chance to shine, celebrate and have fun,” commented Mayor Sheahan.
The parade will be shorter this year, and entries will be limited with priority given to community groups, those participating in the theme, and walking entries.
Mayor Sheahan continued: “The theme for this year’s parade, ‘Spring’, is open to interpretation and exploration. Our National City of Culture designation left Limerick with a tremendous legacy and with our European Capital of Culture 2020 bid currently being prepared, I believe events like our St Patrick’s Festival showcase one of Limerick’s greatest attributes, our cultural and creative community.”
A highlight of the Limerick St Patrick’s Festival is the 45th Limerick International Band Championship on Sunday, March 15 at 12pm, when bands from all over Ireland, the USA and Europe compete to be crowned ‘Overall Parade Champion’.
The closing date for applications for both parades is Monday, March 2. Application forms are available at www.limerick.ie/stpatricksfestival.
