Luton St Patrick’s Festival 2008 

CHANGE OF VENUE

Due to unforeseen circumstances the main stage and market on Saturday 15^th will now take place at St George’s Square. Below is the amended press release. 

Luton Irish Forum (LIF) is delighted to announce the programme for

Luton’s 9^th St Patrick’s Festival [14^th – 18^th March] 

St Patrick’s Festival 2008 launch evening will begin with the annual Sean O’Riada Mass, featuring LIF’s own Choir; performing hymns in Gaelic.  A Gala Dance, afterwards at St Joseph’s Parish Centre, will include ‘The Individuals’ and newcomers; ‘The Murphy/ Flaherty Dancers’.   

St Patrick’s Parade Day on the 15^th March, will commence with the annual church service at Our Lady help of Christians (Castle Street).  This year has an added cultural dimension; with the collaboration of the local Polish community.  This group of 6 to 11 year olds will compliment the talents of the Choir, which has grown in strength since the Festival first came to Luton. 

From 10am, Manor Road will come alive as the parade participants assemble.  This year’s theme is a pageant of ‘Famous County Characters’.  In preparation for the Eastern Region’s largest Irish community event, The Forum has run a series of costume making workshops, for the young and older.  The result is a flamboyant display of costumes; including Molly Malone from Dublin, Saint Bridget from Kildare and Biddy Early from Clare!  It promises to be one of the most memorable pageants yet!   

Festival favourites also joining the parade are award winning ‘Bedfordshire University and Harpenden Pipe Bands.  Adding also to the excitement, will be a host of colourful floats and walking troupes flying flags of the 32 counties!  The parade will work its way through the town to the main stage and market at the new venue of ST GEORGE’S SQUARE. After the success of The Forum Emerald Pipe Band’s debut performance, last year, the band will once again play a selection of well loved tunes, during the presentation of Shamrock to local dignitaries.   

In preparation for this years Festival, and for the second year running, The Forum will be giving storytelling workshops on ‘The Life of St. Patrick’ across Primary Schools, one which will be relayed in Polish for our Bedford based friends. 

Alongside the parade, and again on St Patrick’s Day; Monday the 17^th, the Arndale Centre will vibrate to the sound of traditional song and dance.  The spirit of Irish culture will once again flood the halls of the Mall, with melodies from the harp and violin and the tap of feet from local dancing schools. At Market Hill, there will be an outdoor stage offering music and dance, alongside an Irish market offering food and non food goods. 

Alongside other Festival events will be two nights of entertainment at The Library Theatre.   Sunday the 16th offers an evening of Irish music from The ‘Fabulous’ Duffy Brothers who will be supported by John Brookes School of Dance and a group of local traditional talent. 

On Tuesday the 18th, cinemagoers will be treated to a double feature film night.  The Irish film 'Once', which stars The Frames singer Glen Hansard, won the World Cinema Audience Award in the dramatic category at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival; one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.  'Once' is a modern-day musical set in Dublin and tells the story of two singers who fall in love over the course of a week, as they write, rehearse and record songs.  

‘Hear My Song’; is based around the life of legendary Irish Tenor Josef Locke, who enjoyed great success after the Second World War.  This 1991 film has achieved international acclaim; winning the London Critics Circle Film Awards, Evening Standard British Film Awards and British Comedy Awards. 

Festival Chair, Michael Maguire said ‘Come and join in on the fun of the fair!’