X Factor star is St Patrick's Day guest

At 12noon on Friday, March 17 the annual parade will depart from City Hall and make its way to Custom House Square where a free concert will begin at 12.45pm.

Speaking at the launch of Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston, said: “The hugely talented Beat Carnival have really outdone themselves in producing a breathtakingly colourful parade which celebrates the character and diversity of our city and our people.”

Participants will come from community groups all over Belfast and they will be accompanied by the Glassdrumman, Cloughfin and Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Bands.

Representatives of the four major sporting events to be hosted in Belfast this year – the World Ice Hockey Championships, the World 24 Hour Running Championships, the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the UEFA Women’s Under 19 Championships – will also be joining the parade.

At Custom House Square, former X Factor duo Reggie ‘n’ Bollie, London girl group Stooshe, Belfast Boys’ Model Drummers and traditional band The Rare Aul Stuff will warm up for Fleur East.