Carnivals, concerts and parades to mark St Patrick's Day

St Patrick's Day celebrations get under way today around Northern Ireland with parades taking place in major towns and cities.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Mar 2016, 08:58 BST
Updated 17th Mar 2016, 08:59 BST
The Coca-Cola London Eye, on London's South Bank is lit green by Tourism Ireland to celebrate St Patrick's DayThe Coca-Cola London Eye, on London's South Bank is lit green by Tourism Ireland to celebrate St Patrick's Day
The Coca-Cola London Eye, on London's South Bank is lit green by Tourism Ireland to celebrate St Patrick's Day

The St Patrick’s Carnival and Concert in Belfast will see bands, giant puppets, colourful floats, dancers and street entertainers rolled out to provide a family feast of entertainment - for free.

This year the parade takes an extended route from City Hall to Custom House Square where former Westlife star Brian McFadden and X Factor 2014 winner Ben Haenow will be among the entertainers.

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The city of Armagh will be at the centre of a global St Patrick’s Day celebration with a marathon six-hour special featuring parades from Ireland, Northern Ireland, England and the US.

There will be live coverage from Dublin from 1-3pm, followed by live coverage of the world famous New York City St Patrick’s Day parade until 7pm.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will celebrate another St Patrick’s Day event up the slopes of historic Slemish when an estimated 3,000 visitors will trek to see the spectacular views.

Meanwhile, around the world, 190 major landmarks and sites - from Rome to Rio and from London to Las Vegas - will light up green as part of Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Global Greening initiative.

Related topics:Northern IrelandBelfastArmaghCity Hall