Limerick’s 2015 St. Patrick’s Festival will embrace the theme of Spring, celebrating the carnival spirit associated with the season, it was announced today.
Registration is now open to participate in the St. Patrickʼs Day Parade which will see an estimated 70,000 people line Limerick’s streets on Tuesday 17th March.
Participants are encouraged to embrace the theme and get creative with their entries. Spring can be interpreted in a number of ways and numerous floats, community groups and bands will reflect the theme in their performances.
Mayor of Limerick City & County Council, Cllr. Kevin Sheahan said people can expect a festival of colour, noise and entertainment for Limerick's largest audience.
“Gold, orange, yellow and green represent Spring time, when the days are getting longer, flowers are blossoming and the smell of summer is just around the corner!” commented Mayor Sheahan.
“As well as artistically creating a themed entry we are encouraging participants to perform and entertain as they proudly parade through the main streets of Limerick. Whether it is showing off football or judo skills, dance or skateboard moves we really urge groups to come up with exciting ways of demonstrating what they do to the anticipating crowd. It is your chance to shine, celebrate and have fun!”
Aiming to maximise the entertainment factor for the crowd, the parade will be shorter this year, providing the highest quality and variety of participants. Parade entries will be limited with priority given to community groups, those participating in the theme, and walking entries.
Mayor Sheahan continued: “The theme for this year’s parade, Spring, is open to interpretation and exploration. Our National City of Culture designation left Limerick with a tremendous legacy and with our European Capital of Culture 2020 bid currently being prepared, I believe events like our St. Patrick’s Festival showcase one of Limerick’s greatest attributes, our cultural and creative community."
“The Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival is always a very colourful spectacle and I am most looking forward to this year’s event,” he concluded.
A highlight of the Limerick St Patrick’s Festival is the 45th Limerick International Band Championship on Sunday, 15th March @ 12pm when bands from all over Ireland, the USA and Europe compete to be crowned ‘Overall Parade Champion’.
The closing date for applications for both parades is Monday, 2nd March. Application forms are available at Limerick.ie/Stpatricksfestival