Belfast is buzzing with excitement as the city prepares for an incredible St Patrick's Day celebration, stretching across 17 days from March 1st to 17th! This year’s programme promises a vibrant, inclusive festival showcasing the best of traditional arts, culture, and heritage, with something for every resident and visitor to enjoy.
The festivities kick off bright and early with the annual Spar Craic 10K race, leaving City Hall at 9am. Later on St Patrick's Day itself, Tuesday, March 17th, the city centre will come alive for the much-anticipated St Patrick's Day parade. Starting at City Hall at 1:30pm, this colourful cavalcade will celebrate the legends of St Patrick alongside Belfast's rich diversity. Expect to see local dance troupes, schools, community groups, and musicians adorned in magnificent costumes, bringing music, dance, and carnival cheer as they make their way down Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place, and Donegall Place, before returning to City Hall.
Music lovers are in for a treat with an extended five-day Belfast TradFest St Patrick's Music Festival, running from March 13th to 17th. This popular festival offers a multi-cultural, cross-community celebration of traditional music and song – a perfect warm-up for this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil. Following the main parade on March 17th, head to the festival village in the Cathedral Quarter (1pm-5pm) for a feast of activities, including Highland piping competitions, set and céili dancing, pilgrimage walks, bodhrán circles, a traditional picnic, and an afternoon of family fun. You'll find the main stage in Writers' Square and an acoustic stage in St Anne's Square. Ticketed highlights include performances by Dougie MacLean and Ursula Burns, the Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Band and Andy Irvine at Mandela Hall (Saturday, March 14th), a spectacular Pipe Band Extravaganza at City Hall (Sunday, March 15th), the Michael McGoldrick Trio and Music Generation Cross Border Folk Orchestra at the Ulster Hall (Monday, March 16th), and a special St Patrick's Day concert at The MAC with The Bow Brothers and the Aoife Scott Band (Tuesday, March 17th).
Féile an Phobail also joins the celebrations, hosting world-class Irish traditional music and workshops across various venues from March 10th to 17th. Their ever-popular Féile Trad Trail promises over 100 sessions featuring some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians.
For a taste of traditional craic and family fun, St George’s Market will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 14th, and Sunday, March 15th. Enjoy live traditional music throughout both market days, along with special trader offers and activities for all the family. Musicians from Ards CCÉ, who are partnering with the council for Fleadh Cheoil, will also be performing.
Don't miss Spraoi Cois Lao, the largest Irish language family fun day of its kind, returning to Custom House Square on Saturday, March 7th, from 1pm-4pm. Organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail, it’s an afternoon packed with live music, dance performances, Zumba, a céilí mór, taster sessions for beginners, and delicious food stalls – all experienced through the medium of Irish.
Complementing these events, Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia, an international festival celebrating Irish language and culture, runs from March 1st to 17th. This festival offers numerous opportunities to enjoy and engage with the Irish language through fun and entertaining events, catering to both learners and fluent speakers alike.
This diverse programme ensures there truly is something for everyone, whether you're looking for live music, a day out with the family at the parade, a chance to learn more about St Patrick, or an opportunity to try your hand at traditional instruments. Get ready to immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture and spirit of St Patrick's Day right here in Belfast! For full details on specific events, including dates, times, and ticket information, be sure to check local event listings or relevant festival websites.