Billed as the largest-ever St Patrick’s Festival of events to be held in the UK and Ireland, Armagh kicks in to high gear next month with a jam-packed programme showcasing the best of culture, music, song and dance.
For ten full days from March 10, Ireland’s Cathedral City will spring into life as an impressive and unrivalled mix of theatre, live music, comedy, dance, poetry, exhibitions and a series of special walks and talks get under way to celebrate Armagh’s importance in St Patrick’s life, his legacy and mission.
Featuring family fun days, uplifting choral recitals and orchestral events, the Armagh and Downpatrick St. Patrick’s Festival features an enormous programme of activity for every age and interest.
Bound together by the importance and significance of their locations in the life of St Patrick, the Festival programme is a new and exciting collaboration between Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and many of the events planned take place across both areas.
Catherine Seeley, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, said:
“The foundation of Armagh’s legendary status and its historical importance rests firmly on the life of St Patrick and we are thrilled and excited to present what will undoubtedly be a truly memorable event that promises to put the city and the surrounding area firmly on the world stage.
“The breadth of activity and talent on show is outstanding and the programme provides everyone with every reason to visit one, all or any of the events on offer and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from across the area, across Northern Ireland and further afield who will be thoroughly enthralled by what they see, hear and experience.”
The Market Place Theatre takes centre stage to showcase several of the festival’s signature events – including Celtic Spirit, a traditional and spiritual musical celebration of St Patrick which features BBC’s The Voice winner Andrea Begley among others, while Moya Brennan, Brian Finnegan and Connla add to the high-calibre of acts scheduled to perform.
…//More
Armagh City’s most popular event space will also be hosting a busy programme of exhibitions and inspiring theatrical productions including ’The Year of the Hiker’ by John B Keane and Niall de Burca’s tales of ancient Ireland.
The internationally-acclaimed St Patrick’s Lecture takes place at The Market Place Theatre on March 16th on the eve of St Patrick’s Day and the festival procession, and will feature the Primates of the two principal churches in Ireland in conversation with BBC journalist Tara Mills.
The programme also features an inspiring range of spiritual events, many of which draw on the significance of St Patrick and the important role he played in bringing Christianity to Ireland and which allow visitors to reflect and retrace his steps. In addition, thought-provoking tours and church services allow the true meaning of his legacy to be remembered.
Music plays a key role throughout the festival, with the Ulster Orchestra lined up for a unique performance at the Church of Ireland Cathedral. The Arco String Quartet will also be performing at the Palace Chapel.
There are also a series of specially-planned events at the Navan Fort & Centre and at the Armagh Observatory.
A free shuttle bus service will be available to transport visitors between Armagh and Downpatrick for a selection of key events taking place over the course of the Festival.
For more information on what is happening in Armagh during the festival, please visit www.armagh.co.uk.