The legendary ringmaster of Fossett’s Circus, Marion Fossett will lead this year’s spectacular Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade as the city celebrates 250 years of the Circus.
Details of the Limerick’s St Patrick’s Festival were announced today including the colourful and energetic Parade, Ireland’s only international Band Championship featuring almost 2,000 international musicians and a dazzling fireworks display over King John’s Castle.
Among the highlights are LUXe who are presenting their award winning ‘Cirque de Lune’, Macnas will appear on foot with the Macnas brass ensemble, Cloughjordan Youth Circus will bring stilt walkers, jugglers and clowns onto Limerick’s premier street and many more.
Parade Grand Marshall Marion Fossett said: “On behalf of my family I’m honoured and thrilled to have been invited to be the Grand Marshal for the 2018 Limerick St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In addition to this commemorating the birth of Circus this fabulous parade will mark Fossett’s Circus 130th Anniversary, making us the world’s oldest continuously touring circus!”
Speaking at the launch Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Stephen Keary said: “St Patrick’s Day is always a special time for families. It is so heartening to see so many people travel into the city year after year to watch the parade and enjoy all the other the festivities.”
There many other events that will be taking place such as the International Band Championship, now in its 48th year.
Sheila Deegan, Culture and Arts Officer with Limerick City and County Council said: “I am so excited about the rich offering and range of events that are planned for Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival.”
“This year 19 bands, including American High School and University Bands from Ohio, Texas, Minnesota and California will join some of Limerick’s favourites including the Redemptorist Centre of Music, St. Marys Fife and Drum Band and Boherbuoy Band as they parade down O’Connell Street on Sunday 18 March from 12 noon set to warm the hearts of spectators rain or shine!”
You can also enjoy a free concert in Arthur’s Quay Park following the parade and applaud the winners.
There will be musical entertainment from 9pm as dramatic illuminations are projected onto Limerick’s historic King John’s Castle, followed by a spectacular fireworks display which will transform the city’s skies into an explosion of colour!
The best viewing points are Clancy’s Strand and Sarsfield Bridge.
For a listing of all events about Limerick St Patrick’s Festival visit www.limerick.ie/ stpatricksfestival.
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