Luton's annual St Patrick's Day Festival is an occasion when everyone is invited to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and experience Irish culture. This major festival is the largest in the East of England and is a snapshot of all the cultural activities within the Irish community - music, song, dance, sport and colourful costumes!
 | | Irish Piper |
The actual parade will start at Manor Road in Luton and will travel along Park Street, down George Street around the Town Hall finishing on Market Hill. There are two areas with various entertainment schedules all commencing at around 11.00am. Market Hill is the main point where the Parade will finally arrive and the entertainment is due to commence. At around noon the Chair of Luton Irish Forum, Noreen Kellett, will make her address and the Shamrock will be presented to the dignitaries, with a response by Mayor of Luton, Councillor Doris Hinkley. Then the mix of music, dance and entertainment will continue on Market Hill whilst in the Arndale Centre, there will be traditional dancing, music and much more.
 | | St Patrick's Day Parade Route Map |
Music, provided by the pipe band from the University of Luton Pipe Band and the Harpenden Pipe Band, will follow the procession as will a number of other marching bands and Irish dancers. Craft stalls will be selling Irish products, such as porcelain, knitwear and ceramics with other stalls offering Irish music, food and treats like green and orange candyfloss and homemade fudge. Children’s rides will also be at the event. Teresa Ryan from the Luton Irish Forum said "It'll be the perfect family day out with lots to see and do - there'll be something for everyone!" Use the link on the top right hand side of this page to find out the full programme of events for Luton's St Patrick's Festival 2005. | 
