The programme for the National St Patrick’s Festival has been unveiled, with the theme this year set to be SEODA – Treasures from Ireland.
Announced last week by Deputy Lord Mayor Tom Brabazon, this year’s festival will celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage with a world-class programme showcasing both contemporary and traditional Ireland over five great days and nights, from March 12 to 17.
There will be dozens of fun-filled family experiences, massive outdoor events, specially commissioned collaborative performances, a myriad of musical treats and the magnificent national St Patrick’s Festival parade.
There will also be an expanded four-day festival village and food market at Merrion Square.
Susan Kirby, chief executive, said: “St Patrick’s Festival is one of the world’s largest cultural celebrations and one of the most important and powerful tools that Brand Ireland has in promoting our country.
“St Patrick’s Festival continues to be five great days and nights where Ireland welcomes the world.
“This year’s festival will present today’s culture creators and celebrate who and what our contemporary national treasures are, as well as taking pride in our traditions.”
This years’ festival will offer a richly diverse programme, including ABAIR – a remarkable programme of performances celebrating Ireland’s oral traditions, art exhibitions, poetry and literary events, the all-new Festival After Dark club series, hidden Dublin tours and trails, an exciting Port to City treasure hunt, Ceili Mor, and so much more.
Cllr Tom Brabazon said: “It’s a wonderful honour for me to launch the 2020 festival. As a boy I remember coming into the parade each year, and now our national festival has grown into a five-day extravaganza celebrating all that is great about Ireland today.
“We have so many modern-day treasures, people creating our contemporary culture each day, and it’s fantastic that the festival will showcase these across five days and nights of fun and celebration.
“I have no doubt that Dubliners and visitors to the city will enjoy memorable experiences and leave with lasting memories.
“I would also like to congratulate the St Patrick’s Festival board for all their hard work, professionalism and dedication, which results in the Dublin festival being such a fantastic showcase for our Irish culture and heritage.”
Artists and performers set to take part in the diverse 2020 festival programme include Lisa Hannigan, Annie Mac, Kojaque, Soule, Denise Chaila, Crash Ensemble, Mango X MathMan, Dublin Gospel Choir, and many more.
Orla Carroll, director of product development at the National Tourism Development Authority, said: “We are delighted to see some of Ireland’s national treasures highlighted at this year’s St Patrick’s Festival.
“Festivals are crucial to the tourism sector and play an important role in both attracting overseas visitors and delivering brilliant visitor experiences.”
The full St Patrick’s Festival 2020 programme is now available over on the festival website, stpatricksfestival.ie.
