by iNews
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by iNews
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By Ronan O’Donnell
Huge crowds turned out for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Derry despite the atrocious weather.
Wintery showers and wind swept over the city but that didn’t stop the thousands who turned out watch the festivities.
The main attraction was the city’s renowned Spring Carnival parade which featured over 800 performers and over 20 groups who created a display of colour which brought life to the city’s festivities.
The parade was fronted by St Patrick himself and deputy mayor of Derry and Strabane Council, Niree McMorris, they were followed by dance troupes, community groups, sports clubs and large inflatable props including a giant snake, a cheetah and the sun.
The city centre was hectic all afternoon as visitors enjoyed a packed programme of music, dance, food and folklore in Guildhall Square, the Craft Village, Waterloo Place and the Guildhall.
Ms McMorris said: “The sight of the parade winding its way through the city with thousands of people at either side of the street was breathtaking and leading that parade with St Patrick is an experience I will never forget.”
The showcase of creativity and talent on display in the parade was heartwarming and even the rain could not “dampen the spirits,” Ms McMorris added.
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane council, Aeidin McCarter, credited the partners who contributed to the delivery of the celebrations.
“We were delighted to host another successful St Patricks’ Day Spring Carnival festival and early indications are that we had tens of thousands of spectators in the city centre which makes all the work of our team and partners worthwhile,” she said.
Ms McCarter said that from early in the afternoon there was a carnival atmosphere in the city centre as people came out to enjoy the entertainment.
This is only the start of Derry’s festival season as and there is much more to look forward to in the coming months including the Northwest Angling Fair in Strabane, the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the Foyle Maritime Festival just a few months away.
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