Details have been released about the return of the traditional St Patrick's Day parade in Enniskillen as the event returns for the first time since 2019.
Following cancellations related to Covid 19 restrictions in recent years, the floats will return to the Co Fermanagh town for the first time in four years as the event was officially launched this week.
The organisers of the event, volunteers from the Project St Patrick group, say there will be a host of activities for all the family alongside the traditional parade - including wakeboarding leprechauns.
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The craic starts at the Broadmeadow from 1.30pm, with live entertainment and range of free activities for kids in the area.
Moving onto the Diamond, there will be a performance from local band the Hand Me Downs from 2.15pm as well as traditional dancers and walkabout characters.
The big parade will then kick off from 3.30pm, with a range of traditional and carnival style floats, vintage and futuristic vehicles, acrobatics and live music.
Chair of Project St Patrick Feargal Shannon said while it was frustrating to have the parade cancelled in recent years, XXX
"As tough has it’s been on those that had come to love the parade and fun day on the 17 th March, it was incredibly frustrating for our small volunteer committee," Feargal said.
"We’d got to a really good place with circa 15,000 people coming along and turning our county town into a massive party for the afternoon.
"So there was that worry, could we build it up again after a three year gap as our goal was to aim higher every year – always bigger and better. We’re hopeful though that we’ve ticked all the boxes and there’ll be something for everyone on land or on water, in just four very short weeks.
"Our ethos has always been that every child should enjoy the day as much as the next regardless of background so we are delighted that local businesses have continued to support us making that happen with lots of freebies for everyone, be that little kid or big kid."
Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council welcomed the work of the local volunteers who made the event possible this year.
"As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted that the Council is providing support to Project St Patrick to host the St Patrick' Day parade in Enniskillen this year.
"I am confident that the planned programme of events will bring the streets of Enniskillen alive on 17 March with a spectacular parade and entertainment to suit everyone based on the theme of ‘Back To The Future’.
"The Council recognises the important contribution events make to the social, tourism, economic, community and cultural life of the District. Supporting events such as St Patrick's Day helps to ensure this can continue to be achieved."
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