Limerick this week welcomes thousands of musicians and performers as two of the biggest events of the year transform the City’s main thoroughfares into an open-air festival of colour and sound.
Coordinated by Limerick City and County Council in support of Limerick’s bid to host the European Capital of Culture designation in 2020, the Limerick St Patrick’s Festival begins with the annual St Patrick’s Parade which kicks off at 12pm this Thursday.
An estimated 80,000 people are expected to line the streets of Limerick City to watch more than 4,000 parade participants from 100 different community groups, companies, bands and sports clubs from across Limerick and Ireland.
The theme of this year’s Parade is ‘Commemorate’, which seeks to promote Limerick’s legacy, its peoples and its places. Actor, director and playwright, Myles Breen is this year’s Grand Marshall in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts in the Mid-West region.
Pop duo Jedward have also accepted an invitation from Limerick City and County Council to take part in this year’s Parade. Edward and John have strong family ties to Limerick, including their Grand Uncle Vincent Feeney who was the Mayor of the city.
The St Patrick’s festivities continue from 12 noon on Sunday when 1,200 musicians from 18 groups, including a 280-strong marching band from the University of Missouri, take part in the 46th Limerick International Band Championship.
