Luton St Patrick's Festival Est.2000
Over twenty years and growing! Reflections on the Luton St Patrick’s Festival
By Elleesa Rushby, 2021
So, how does a parade grow? From simple beginnings, through its development by dynamic and committed individuals in the Luton Irish community, to today’s much loved cultural celebration, hosted by the Luton Irish Forum (LIF) and showcasing acts such as Nathan Carter and the High Kings. Here’s some reflections on that journey by the people who made it all possible.
Community memories of St Patrick's celebrations in Luton, collected via our social media in 2021
“Memories from the past few years!” - Siobhan Shelley
"Some memories of great times at Luton St Patricks Day festivals over the years! Mainly pictures of the Lavin family, proudly representing Sligo every year. We all have lots of great memories of the LIF parade and celebrations" - Samantha Barraclough
"Our Beloved Dad, Shane O’Neill would walk behind that Leitrim flag years after years with all of us. Proud as punch in 2016 when he was asked to join the Mayor of Luton at the Town Hall for his years of work for GAA as chairman of St Vincent’s!" - Sharon O'Neill
"We love St Patrick's Day, it's in our blood. Daniel is a great Irish dancer. Learnt in Luton by John brooks RIP. He travelled around the world in shows and it was great to have him home to celebrate in Luton before Covid hit! My Mam was Carrick on Shannon co Leitrim and my Dad Clonmany Co.Donegal, a big influence on our lives." - Mary Coogan
"Our son was so proud to be carrying the flag with his Dad for his Dad's county!" - Kem O'Shea
Ethan and Tom O’Shea, 2019
“Anne McLaughlin and Bridget Nee at a St Patrick's Dance at Sacred Heart in Stopsley in the 1970s.” - Mary Coogan
“My dad (Joe Molloy) loved coming along and stewarding on the day. He was gutted when he was too unwell to come any more. This is him with Jimmy Fury at his second from last St Patrick's Day Parade in 2015”. - Nicola McLaughlin