St Patrick's Festival
Luton St Patrick’s Festival celebrates the patron saint of Ireland and usually takes place in the days leading up to the actual feast day of 17th March. This year's Festival started early with The Big Pub Quiz on Thursday 2nd March.The St Patrick's Parade was on Saturday 18th March.
Luton St Patrick's Festival is organised by Luton Irish Forum and a team of brilliant volunteers! We are supported by our amazing sponsors including, Luton Rising, Luton BID and The Mall.
First held in Luton in 2000, the Festival is now a leading attraction in the Luton cultural calendar, bringing Irish music, dance and drama to the streets and entertainment venues of Luton.
Rain couldn’t keep the crowds away from the 24th Luton Irish Forum St Patrick’s Parade. St George’s Sq, Luton was a sea of umbrellas and green on Saturday 18th March as thousands got in the St Patrick’s spirit, with top acts including Ritchie Remo and The Kings of Connaught.
“Was a great day. Taking part in parade with my daughter was very special. Well done to everyone.” said parade participant, Ursula Quigley.
The Parade day was the highlight of a festival that started on 2nd March with a BIG Pub Quiz sponsored by Machins Solicitors
Later in the month, the sell out show Six Marys played to a packed house and we all recalled growing up in Ireland!
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. Anglia News dropped in and filmed highlights for the TV.
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 awarded Dance Fusion the Group parade award and the individual award went to Luton’s Deadpool
There were so many highlights for all the family, including a tractor run with Leprechauns, crafts and St Patrick’s Grotto. Positive feedback is coming in via the evaluation survey and social media.
” Great day despite the terrible rainfall.”
The GAA Blitz which was rescheduled due to bad weather has now been CANCELLED. We are very grateful to all of the teams and organisers.
Look out for information about being part of our 25th anniversary parade in 2024!