Newry welcomes talent from across borders for 2018 St Patrick Festival

The 2018 Home of St Patrick Festival will allow locals from across the region and visitors from near and far to enjoy a global programme of local and international music, theatre, sport, spoken word and spirituality.

The bumper festival programme once again celebrates the patron saint with an unrivalled calendar of events, promising to be the biggest, best and most-diverse of its kind in Europe.

On Wednesday, 14 March, Patrick the Musical will be staged at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry, telling the amazing story of Ireland’s own patron saint in vibrant music and song.

Conceived, developed and brought to Northern Ireland by a church group from England, the show brings to life Patrick’s dramatic dream that set in motion the events that would turn Ireland upside down.

With strong, catchy melodies and dramatic Celtic vibes, Irish dance and mesmerising storytelling, this is a foot-tapping musical of a life that changed Ireland forever. Tickets are available via the Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre or the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

The festival closing concert will also take place in Newry, with the Cross Border Orchestra performing in the town’s Cathedral on Sunday, 18 March.

Taking its inspiration from St. Patrick writing in his Confessio that it was literally ‘the voice of the Irish’ calling to him to return and introduce Christianity to Ireland, this concert will bring its own inspirational complement of up to 100 young musicians from across Ireland.

They will perform a light and highly tuneful programme of popular songs, movie themes and classics interspersed with readings and performances by some of Ireland’s leading actors and musicians. Don’t miss this unique experience from one of the largest orchestral line-ups ever. Tickets are available via Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

Cllr Roisin Mulgrew, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said, “This year’s Home of St Patrick programme ensures that our local and international visitors can join with the wider community to celebrate St Patrick in his adopted homeland across counties Armagh and Down.

She added, “We are encouraging everyone to book early to avoid disappointment as this astounding line up of arts, food and special events is not to be missed as there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Taking in many of the iconic locations, cultural landmarks and sites of historical interest throughout counties Armagh and Down, the full festival programme brings together renowned performers, artists, guest speakers and visionaries from around the world.

Full details of the schedule can be found at www.homeofstpatrickfestival.com

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Posted by Newry Times News on Mar 9 2018. Filed under Community, News, What's On. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry