Annual ‘Paddy’s Day’ parade returns to Newport

Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of the town for the return of the popular St Patrick's Day parade next month, after a lapse of three years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

The organising committee have confirmed that the return of the event, which had been one of the major annual attractions since its introduction in 2012, will take place on Saturday, March 11.

Plans are now advanced for one of the largest, and most colourful and entertaining St Patrick's Day parades scheduled to get underway at 12 noon on Saturday, March 11, when it will proceed from the Day Care Centre on the Limerick Road through the town to the Community Centre at Clonbealy.

The parade will comprise of at least 35 floats, representing local groups and organisations, five pipe bands, a giant bear, Irish Molly mascot, and a variety of entertainers with some amazing acts.

Corvenieos Entertainment Group from Co Longford have been engaged to deliver “an extravaganza with breath-taking costumes and exciting choreography” including fire-eaters, stilt walkers and many colourful characters.

They have performed at such well known events as the Galway Races, the Curragh Racing Festival and Ballina Salmon Festival, to mention a few.

Prizes will be awarded for the Best Business Entry, Best Band, Best Float, Best Novelty entry, and Best Shop Display.

Road closure, with through traffic diverted, will apply from 11.30am to 1pm and vehicle parking within the town will be restricted for the duration of the event.

The energetic committee have put a Trojan effort into getting the event back up and running again, as one of the major annual attractions in the town, and look forward to a huge turnout, once again, to enjoy the programme.