The saint comes marching in...

Music, merriment and all kinds of street magic are promised for this year’s St Patrick’s festival in Dublin, which will run from Thursday March 11 to the big day itself, Wednesday March 17.

Announcing this year’s programme, Maria Moynihan, Chief Executive of St Patrick’s Festival, says, “The quality and the breadth of this year’s festival programme will portray Dublin at an all time high in terms of colour and vibrancy. The Festival is going from strength to strength, with traditional favourites coupled with some new events of a more contemporary flavour”
Hugely popular events that return include the 7UP Skyfest, Dolmio Big Day Out, Lucozade Energy Céilí Mór, 7UP Music Stage, and Denny Treasure Hunt. Three events, which had a hugely successful introduction to the programme in 2003, are back by popular demand. This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival Symposium, Talking Irish, will offer a chance to have a conversation about Irish identity with distinguished business, social and cultural figures. The Festival Music Village celebrates the best of Irish musical talent, while Allianz Irish Visions offers a substantial and creative visual arts programme that will be happening in the most unusual places.
The Festival programme also boasts five completely new events. This year the Festival will offer the opportunity to explore the brilliant labyrinths of Luminarium, a giant inflatable maze designed to stimulate the senses. Another addition to the programme is a production at Smithfield by Polish theatre group Teatr Ósmega Dnia, famed for their spectacular open air performances. All modes of transport will feature in three other new events: the Festival Flotilla will celebrate Dublin’s maritime heritage, while Cruisin’ is a programme of motorised processions, each celebrating unique cars and bikes of all ages, shapes and sizes. Finally, Glow will bring the magic of hot air balloons to the Phoenix Park.
Music-wise, events to look out for incude the Festival Music Village, nightly at Vicar St., The Village and Whelans. Among those appearing will be Jerry Fish and The Mudbug Club and the Dhol Foundation. Also watch out for a free gig in Merrion Square March 14, kicking off at midday and featuring D-side, Simon Casey, Picturehouse, Bellefire, Stand, Rubyhorse and Laura Isibor.

For full details of all festival events see www.stpatricksfestival.ie