Rain couldn’t keep the crowds away from the 24th Luton Irish Forum St Patrick’s Parade. St George’s Square, Luton was a sea of umbrellas and green on Saturday as thousands got in the St Patrick’s spirit, with top acts including Ritchie Remo and The Kings of Connaught.
The Parade day was the highlight of a festival that started on March 2 with a BIG Pub Quiz and later in the month, the sell out show Six Marys.
Nearly 200 people attended the Afternoon Social where they enjoyed performances from the Galway Sligo Trad group, X Factor’s Adam Moloney and The Walshe School of Irish Dancing.
Luton Mayor Cllr Sameera Saleem visited St Joseph’s Primary School’s Irish Day. Pupils learnt about Irish culture through legends and crafts. It wasn’t just a celebration of Irishness. Pupils dressed in national costumes representing their diverse backgrounds.
The Macanta Pipe Band, Bhangra Smash Up and The Walshe School of Irish dancing, performed together on the main stage, creating the exciting and high energy Dance Fusion. Cllr Patrick Rochford from The Department of Foreign Affairs Ireland awarded Dance Fusion the Group parade award.
Star of the Irish Dancing was Mary Shanley age 3, wowing the crowd in her unique style.
There were so many highlights for all the family, including a tractor run with Leprechauns, crafts and St Patrick’s Grotto.
The GAA Blitz which was rescheduled due to bad weather will take place on Saturday 25th March 2.00-4.00pm at St Joseph’s Playing Field Gardenia Avenue. It’s a free event and a great end to a successful St Patrick’s Festival.”
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