Strabane has planned a series of events to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17. The parade will depart from Holy Cross College at 2pm, travelling along Melmount Road, Bridge Street, Market Street, passing Abercorn Square, and continuing along Railway Road to Dock Street.

Ahead of the parade, light entertainment and family-friendly activities will take place along the route. In Abercorn Square, local duo Misty Days will provide live music, with face painting and arts and crafts available in the pagoda.

The parade will feature participants from local schools, sports clubs, community organisations, bands and performance groups. Schools involved include St Catherine’s Primary School, Holy Cross College and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh. Community groups participating include Lisnafin Ardnalee Trust CCDA, Sion Swifts FC, Sigersons GAA, Browne-McGranaghan Academy of Irish Dance, Emma Coulter School of Irish Dance, Much Ado Performing Arts Academy, Class Act Theatre Group and Encore PAA.

Streetwise Community Circus has collaborated with local schoolchildren, with more than 120 children set to participate carrying custom props. The children have learned skills including juggling and stilt walking, along with prop design, costume creation and banner-making.

After the parade, celebrations will continue in the town centre, with live music in local bars from early afternoon into the evening.

Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor Ruairí McHugh encouraged residents and visitors to attend, noting the town’s tradition of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.