Luton St Patrick's Festival 2014

Record crowds enjoyed the sunshine and the best of Irish culture over St Patrick’s weekend!

Luton Irish Forum invited all communities to celebrate Irish culture with them during their 15th Annual St Patrick’s Festival which took place from Friday 14th to Monday 17th March. The celebrations have become one of the leading events of the Luton cultural calendar bringing Irish music, dance and drama to the streets and entertainment venues of Luton.  The event scheduled over four days which showcased the very best of Irish music, song, dance and drama featured artists and groups from both sides of the Irish Sea - many of them champions in their specific craft.

The Festival launch took place on Friday with a traditional Gaelic Mass featuring the highly acclaimed Luton Irish Forum Choir at St Joseph’s Church, Gardenia Avenue, followed by a Launch Dance at the Parish Centre.  Entertainment was provided by Ciaran Rosney, DJ Jim Carway and the Brooks Academy of Irish Dancing.  

On Saturday and Sunday the Library Theatre hosted a production of the farcical comedy ‘Drinking Habits’ by the Parke Drama and Arts Group from Castlebar, Co. Mayo. The PADG which formed in 2008 took to the stage in March 2009.  ‘Drinking Habits’ is their 7th acclaimed production.  In this period the Group have contributed over six thousand Euros to charities.  There was also a special performance of traditional set dancing by the renowned Abbeyknockmoy Set Dancers from Co Galway.  The Dancers were winners of the All Ireland Scór finals 2010. The Group have performed throughout Ireland and the UK.

This year’s annual parade and main stage events took place on Sunday commencing with a Gaelic Sung Mass at Our Lady Help for Christians Parish Church, Castle Street.  The Festival Parade followed its traditional route from Manor Road though the Town Centre. This year there were a record number of participants featuring the University of Bedfordshire, Harpenden and Luton Irish Forum Emerald Pipe Bands.  We welcomed back the County Associations, local GAA groups and other walking troupes.  This year the Parade featured a Father Ted Pageant, featuring students from Cardinal Newman School and community members and a Rural Ireland Pageant with local school children in costume.  Caritas Harmony Choir performed eloquently at the Town Hall until the arrival of the parade.  Once again prizes were given for the Best Individual and Best Group parade entries sponsored once again by Snappy Snaps and adjudicated by the Irish Embassy.  The recipient for Best Individual went to St Patrick and Best Group went to the Fr Ted Pageant.

The Parade finished at Market Hill where the traditional Presentation of Shamrock took place to music from the Luton Irish Forum Emerald Pipe Band.  This was followed by a performance by the Abbeyknockmoy Set Dancers. The day’s musical entertainment was provided by three sensational bands, London based The Craicheads, Donnybrook Fair from Northampton and Ireland’s Folk Band of the year - The High Kings.

On Sunday and Monday there was an indoor stage at Smiths Square in The Mall with music, song and dance by a host of local dancers and musicians ensuring there was something for everyone.

Tom Scanlon, Public Relations Officer for Luton Irish Forum said ‘From a very modest beginning 15 years ago, the Luton St Patrick’s Festival Parade and associated entertainment rivals that of London and New York for the level of participation of diverse groups.  It was very pleasing to so many different communities volunteering, participating in and sampling the best of Irish dance, music and drama.  

I would to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors who continue to support us.  Sincere thanks is due to the hardworking volunteers, including the stewards and the St Patrick’s Festival Committee which has been planning the Festival since July 2013!  They give their free time to make this event special for Luton. Without their commitment  the Festival would not be possible.’