Kilkenny gears up for an explosion of colour and excitement for St Patrick's Festival

Kilkenny will once again come to life with an explosion of colour and community spirit on the streets of the Medieval City this St Patrick’s Day, as part of the city’s 11th Kilkenny Tradfest, a celebration of traditional music and culture.

The major city parade begins at 1.30pm at the top of John Street in the city and will make its way through the narrow streets of the city, passing Kilkenny Castle, the historic City Hall and travelling along the city’s Medieval Mile, before finishing in the city’s Market Yard.

As well as the dozens of community, cultural, sporting and artistic groups, the parade will be led by grand marshal, Kilkenny hurling legend and best-selling author, Richie Power. There will also be a special guest appearance by Stevir Mulrooney, fresh from his newfound stardom as singer on the Late Late Toy Show and singing at Ireland’s recent rugby international against Italy.

The parade will also feature hugely colourful displays by street artists from all over Ireland and activities specially designed for young people, from face painting, drumming workshops, magicians and circus performers, performing all over the festival weekend with some in the city’s new Festival Tent venue in the Market Yard.

The traditional festival market on the Parade will be accompanied by the magnificent big wheel, offering eyewatering views of the whole city and a traditional Victorian carousel, all with Kilkenny Castle as its backdrop.

Speaking at the launch of both festivals in Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant on Thursday , Chairperson of the St Patrick’s Festival and Mayor of Kilkenny Joe Malone said that the local council were delighted with the variety of entertainment for the weekend.

“We will again welcome five American bands to our city in the days before the parade and our celebration of our national saint’s day on March 17 will be another step forward in the fantastic revival of St Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny,” he said.

“We particularly look forward to seeing all the voluntary groups from all over our county and city. There is no better experience for a local Kilkenny child or adult than walking in our parade and waving to their family members and neighbours. We are delighted to have Richie and Stevie leading the event.”

Tim Butler, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council said: "Kilkenny County Council is delighted with the growth and expansion of St. Patrick’s Festival which is a very important municipal event supported by Failte Ireland’s Festivals Programme. We know that St. Patrick’s Festival and Kilkenny Tradfest will present a superb attraction for both domestic and international visitorsto enjoy this year encapsulating the city’s medieval origins aswell its myths and legends and the notorious Kilkenny Cats."

St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny is supported by Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland), and is produced by Kilkenny County Council, to celebrate the unique arts, Irish music, culture and creativity that thrives throughout Kilkenny City and county.