SIX DAY BRAY ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL KICKS OFF!

Issued 12th March 2009

Organisers of this year’s event promise the Parade will be bursting at the seems with music, colour and something for all the family and will take place at 3pm on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17th March. The Parade will start at The Town Hall, move down Bray Main Street, turn onto the Quinsboro Road before turning left at the Carlisle Grounds onto Seapoint Road and finally onto Bray Seafront where it will finish at the Bandstand.

Participant groups range from loyal and local community groups such as Bray Lions Club and Bray Comhaltas Straw Boys to international groups such as ‘Spielmamszug Ruzengarde’ Würzburg, a 24 piece Marching Band from Germany. Also returning this year is Bray’s Street Spectacular, presented in association with visual street theatre specialists Artastic. This year’s Street Theatre Spectacular is themed ‘Funky Fish’ where students from our local schools will dress up as under the sea creatures and compete to win ‘who wants to be a starfish’.

Parade goers may also like to enjoy some live music which will be played throughout the day and will include our very own Bray Concert Band who will perform live in Bray’s Main Street at the Civic Centre (1.30pm). After watching the parade stay around for the Céilí Mór at The Bandstand (4.00pm-7.00pm) and take in the musical performances from two of our participant groups, ‘Spielmamszug Ruzengarde’ and Bray Comhaltas who will perform a live traditional Irish music set.

The Festival Funfair Mile (12th-17th March) which is now in it’s fifth year is also returning. It is the largest such St. Patrick’s event in the Country and is almost becoming a tradition in itself. Half price concessions will be available on Patron’s Day, Thursday 12th March, at 4pm.

New to this year's festival is a bright new dedicated website www.stpatricksfestivalbray.ie. This fully functioning website is giving all details associated with the festival, including information on the parade route, events, transport and car parking. The website will also display festival video footage and photographs of participants and spectators.

Festival Highlights:

• Grand Marshals : Bray Lakers, Colm Tresson and Aimee Doyle.
• Special Appearances by “Spielmamszug Ranzengrade” from Würzburg in Germany, Tallagh Festival Band, Southside Chinese Association and the Najwa Zenwa Dancers.
• Street Theatre by Artistic – Students from Bray bring these wonderfull sea creatures alive.
• Parade Hosts: FM104’S Adrian Kennedy and Spin 103.8’s Lauren Kelly.
• Irelands Largest Funfair – The Funfair Mile (Opening Thursday 12th)
• St. Patrick’s Day Events include, Céilí Mór, Lucky Leprechaun Competition, Vintage Car Display and Ecumenical Blessing.
• Festival Events include Silent Film Festival, Treasure Hunt, The Boathouse Céilí Breakfast and The Marching Band Concert.
• St. Patrick’s Live Trad Trail at selected venues around Bray Town, see our website and brochure for full details.
• St. Patrick’s Festival Shop Front Window Displays. Business around the town dress their windows in a St. Patrick’s Theme, winner will be announced on Monday 16th March.


Full event details including route map are available on www.stpatricksfestivalbray.ie or www.braychamber.ie