Derry Prepares for Vibrant St. Patrick’s Day Festival 2025

DERRY, Northern Ireland – Tens of thousands are expected to fill the streets of Derry on March 17 for the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, as the Derry City and Strabane District Council unveiled an exciting program of music, dance, food, and folklore for this year’s Spring Carnival.

Themed ‘Forest, Sky and Sea,’ the 2025 celebrations will showcase the arrival of spring with a variety of activities set to take place at Guildhall Square, the Craft Village, Waterloo Place, and the Guildhall. The hallmark of the festivities will once again be the North West Carnival Initiative’s renowned Spring Carnival Parade, scheduled for 3 p.m. in the city center, featuring vibrant performances from local dance troupes, sports clubs, and community organizations.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who will lead the parade alongside a St. Patrick figure, announced the full program this week while standing on the historic city walls, noting that the parade would pass through Shipquay Gate. “As the days get longer and colour returns to our green spaces, excitement is starting to build for our 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations,” she said. “It’s a great day out for all the family with lots of activity and entertainment planned for around the city center.”

Councillor Seenoi-Barr expressed her enthusiasm for the parade, stating, “It’s always a magnificent sight to see hundreds of colourful parade performers weaving their way around the city centre in front of thousands of spectators and I can’t wait to be part of that.”

Jacqueline Whoriskey, the Council’s Festival and Events Manager, highlighted the success of last year’s event, which drew a record high attendance. “The St. Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival is packed with unmissable festivities, offering something for everyone to enjoy,” Whoriskey said.

She noted, “From live music to captivating street performances and walkabout characters, the city will come alive with energy and excitement. We adopted a city center route for the parade in 2019 and that has proven popular with participants, attendees, and businesses, attracting its highest ever attendance last year of 32,500 people.”

The full program for the 2025 Spring Carnival celebrations in Derry and Strabane is now available for public access.