2024
The Bloke In The Cloak Is Back And This Time With Added Folk
Fermanagh’s St Patrick’s Day Parade and Fun Day returns to Enniskillen in just over three weeks on Sunday 17th March and this year’s theme is Folklore in 24!
As usual the craic starts at the Broadmeadow with a free family fun day and a host of live entertainment acts starting at 1.30pm, MC’d by the effervescent DJ Bob. Enjoy a range of free activities from rugby skills to water-based fun including some great competition prizes to look out for thanks to Erne Water Taxi. Of course, we have the usual balloon modelling and bouncy castles, mingle with walkabouts or get snapped with some of the some of the hairiest folklore heroes on four legs.
This small Project St Patrick volunteer committee who organises the St Patrick’s Day event in Enniskillen, which is supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, are thrilled to have also attracted additional support from local businesses this year.
As a small committee we are thrilled to have attracted additional support from industry including Mannok who’ll be cutting down queue times by sponsoring loads more face-painters this year. The hugely popular chocolate fountains AND candy floss are supplied courtesy of Encirc and loads more stuff we’re keeping under wraps thanks to Terex and Briggs Equipment & Balloo Hire, it’s going to be an epic addition to all your firm favourites.
We’re delighted that our hydrofoiling leprechauns are back, not to mention our unique flotilla event on St Patrick’s eve with live entertainment and delicious lakeside catering makes celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Ireland’s Only Island Town, a truly unique experience. More watery details to be revealed closer to the time due to the continuing support of Lough Erne Landscape Partnership. As ever, there are many other fringe events happening such as Folklore Story Telling Sessions on Castle Island which are bound to keep the kids enthralled. Details of all will be revealed over the next few weeks on social media and www.projectstpatrick.com
For those wishing to grab top viewing spots there will be lots going on, pre parade on the Diamond in Enniskillen town centre from 1.30pm including traditional dancers featuring a much anticipated ‘Mash Up’, followed by a no doubt crowd pleasing performance by the Hand Me Downs at 2.15pm – funded by those other diamonds at Mercers! A massive welcome back to Jets Cheerleading, we look forward to the team getting the crowds going as only they can, by leaving just in advance of the main parade. And those who would prefer a less boisterous viewing platform; Fr Raymond Donnelly is providing again this year, a ‘Quiet Space’ at St Michael’s Parish Centre – booking essential. You can always take time out too, to view the entries to our children’s art competition on display throughout the town.
Supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Enniskillen BID and local businesses both big and small, this year’s spectacular parade will start at 3.30pm and will be led out by 2024 Grand Marshalls; Fermanagh Brightstarz. The parade features a range of traditional and carnival style floats with a folklore theme, acrobatics, live music as well as opportunities to meet Finn McCool’s Irish Wolfhounds.
Helping us mark this year’s launch is FODC Chairman, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, who said:
“I am pleased the Council has sponsored two St Patrick’s Day festivals in both Enniskillen and Omagh. The Council is committed to providing the best quality experience for everyone who lives and visits our district, especially on global days of celebration like St Patrick’s Day.
I thank Project St Patrick for all the work in organising what is set to be another fun filled day for everyone of all ages involving our local talent and unique activities in our island town.
I would also like to thank the local businesses who have supported this year’s event. I hope all our residents and visitors enjoy the celebrations planned and I wish everyone a very Happy St Patrick’s Day.”
Project St Patrick Chairperson Feargal Shannon concluded; “last year was off the charts amazing and that was down to the crowds who came out even in the rain, it was their enthusiasm that created the buzz and atmosphere and made it feel like the sun was shining! We’ve been working hard all year to build on our event so we encourage everyone to not only come out again but bring someone who might never have been, there really is something for everyone.”
Brought to you by a small team of Project St Patrick (PSP) cross community volunteers for the “10th” year, you can keep up to date on everything on our facebook page including details of fringe events, unfolding additions and special deals and discounts provided by our amazing tourism providers and hostelries.
*There may be traffic disruptions in the immediate area so please plan your parking ahead as there will be no entrance to the Lakeland Forum except for disabled badge holders. Additional disabled parking provided behind the Townhall. We would appeal to drivers to respect the efforts of our volunteers by not parking on the parade route, particularly the town centre for safety reasons.
