Organisers expect tens of thousands of people in Derry city centre for St Patrick's Day events on March 17. Activities include music, dance, food and folklore at Guildhall Square, the Craft Village, Waterloo Place and the Guildhall from 1pm to 6pm. A Spring Carnival parade starts at 3pm from Bishop Street Car Park, passing through The Diamond, Shipquay Street, Whitaker Street, Foyle Embankment, Harbour Square Roundabout and Strand Road, ending at Strand Road Car Park.

Mayor McHugh stated that excitement builds for the celebrations as weather improves. Local dance groups, sports clubs and community organisations prepared costumes and routines for the parade. The council's Festival and Events team arranged activities across the city centre from 1pm to 6pm.

Traffic management operates to support police during the parade. No full road closures occur, but lane closures start around 2pm at Bishop Street, Shipquay Street, Foyle Embankment, Harbour Square, Queens Quay and Strand Road. These last between 2.30pm and 4.30pm with diversion routes available. Motorists face delays in the city centre.

On-street parking bans apply on Bishop Street, The Diamond and Shipquay Street from 7am for parade setup. Restrictions also cover Asylum Road, Bayview Terrace and Strand Road for participants. Drivers must avoid blocking entrances to residences, businesses or emergency access.

Bishop Street Car Park and Strand Road Car Park close fully. Foyle Street Car Park limits to accessible and disabled parking only. Derry and Strabane District Council posts parking updates on social media.

Translink runs holiday timetables for buses and rail on March 17. Passengers check schedules via the Journey Planner, website or contact centre at 028 9066 6630.