Up to 150,000 spectators are expected to witness host of St Patrick's Festival events
THOUSANDS of people are expected to line the streets of Limerick city and county within the next week when a host of parades and parties takes place to mark St Patrick's Day.
Altogether, Mayor Kevin Kiely expects around 150,000 people to visit the city over the coming week, and the festivities kick-off this Saturday evening when the city hosts the National Lottery Skyfest, in partnership with the St Patrick's Festival.
On Sunday, almost 600 musicians will take part in the International Band Parade competition, as 14 bands from around Ireland, the US, Germany, Africa and Northern Ireland join Limerick bands marching down O'Connell Street.
The event begins at noon on Sunday, and will feature the Pride of Acadiana band from Lafayette, Louisiana; the Quintessenz Band from Germany; the African I Love my Life musical band, plus the 100-strong Banna Cluain Meala marching band from Clonmel and the 84-strong Mullingar Town Band.
The Limerick bands taking part in the event, which will start on O'Connell Avenue and end in Arthur's Quay Park with a free concert, include the Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band, Limerick City Brass and Reed Band, St Mary's Fife and Drum Band, the CBS Youth Pipe Band and Newcastle West and District Pipe Band.
In Newcastle West, Sunday sees the town host its parade to honour St Patrick. One of the highlights will be the participation of the Great European Circus, thanks to the Courtney family.
"Expect to see a spectacle of colour and a whole host of animals including llamas, kangaroos and Palomino ponies," said Seamus Hennessy, director of communications with the organsing committee.
Leading the parade will be the mounted unit from the Garda Headquarters, and the Artane Boys' Band. The local St David's Pipe Band will also take part, as will be American Dream Band from Chicago.
For the younger children, an array of Disney characters will take to the streets mingling with the spectators.
In Bruff, the organising committee is also looking forward to a colourful display on St Patrick's Day to rival previous years.
"We have been having workshops for stilt walking and street theatre. The parades have been very colourful in the past and we hope for more of the same this year from all the volunteering groups in the area.
"It is an opportunity for the voluntary groups to showcase the volunteerism that goes on," said Biddy Hayes, secretary of the Bruff, Grange Meanus Community Council.
The people of Kilfinane meanwhile, are looking forward to a very special parade this year which will feature the Blackrock junior hurling team, All-Ireland Junior Club Champions 2010, as guests of honour.
And finally, St Patrick will make a special guest appearance at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on St Patrick's Day from 1pm to 5pm.
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Weather for Limerick
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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