Fast-paced, entertaining, engaging, lively, thoughtful and filled with plenty of home-grown talent – just some of the ingredients that make up this year’s all-new Home of St Patrick Festival, organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
With 10 days of festival events to choose from, Banbridge has every reason to join in the celebrations this year, with plenty of live music, workshops and great family-friendly entertainment all specially-arranged for Solitude Park on Monday 18 March.
Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to come along to the festival’s grand finale event in Banbridge from 2pm until 4pm where a stellar line up of free, family-friendly activities will ensure that everyone has plenty of fun.
One of Northern Ireland’s finest performing acts – the award-winning Songbirds – are first to set the festivities alight as supremely talented and accomplished singer-sisters Philippa and Jolene O’Hara take to the stage to share their enthralling musical magic with the gathering crowds.
Belfast-born Philippa was one of only a small handful from 10,000 entrants from across the country to win the attention of tough-cookie judge Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber in the hit BBC show ‘Over the Rainbow’ before eventually going on to work for the musical maestro himself.
Philippa’s experienced musical sister Jolene also independently attracted the attention of Sir Andrew’s accomplished composer and father, Sir William Lloyd Webber, for her stunning voice, securing the best female act in his UK Voice NPA Competition in London.
Like Philippa, Jolene is a regular on the touring circuit as part of several musical ensembles.
The musical treat continues when hit five-piece country folk band The Nooks roll up with their acoustic guitars and harps to deliver a rendition of what they do best – quirky adaptations of modern and not-so-modern rock and pop classics that first got them noticed.
Against all of this, don’t miss the eye-catching stilt walkers which are sure to bring the brightest of smiles to little faces.
But that’s not all. With amusement rides suitable for younger children, face painting, balloon modellers, arts and crafts workshops, giant garden games plus a big climbing tower, archery and a skittles alley all specially-arranged as part of this year’s festivities, there’s no doubt where you should be on Monday 18 March.
Visitors are encouraged to make their way to Solitude Park, Banbridge early on Monday 18 March for a 2pm start to ensure they enjoy everything this special day has to offer.
Log on to www.visitbanbridge.com for further information about this grand finale event.
The full programme of events taking place as part of the Home of St Patrick Festival can be found at www.visitarmagh.com or www.visitbanbridge.com.
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