Council Announces Cancellation of St Patrick’s Day Parades to Support Continued COVID-19 Response

Following careful consideration of the government’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced the cancellation of this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parades, that were due to take place on Wednesday 17 March 2021 in Downpatrick and Newry.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin said, “It is with great regret that the Council has had to cancel the annual St Patrick’s Day parades for the second year in a row due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The parades and events hosted on 17 March each year are normally an opportunity to celebrate the district’s connection with St Patrick and our important place in his story. I know how disappointed many of you will be. I share your disappointment.  However, the Council’s priority at this time is to continue to support the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic across wider society, and this decision has been made in the best interests of our local residents, visitors, festival participants and event partners.”

The Council will continue to review plans for this year’s Tourism Event’s Programme on an ongoing basis and in-line with COVID-19 guidance from the Northern Ireland Executive.