Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the annual Cormeen Rising Sons of William St Patrick’s Day Parade in Armagh tonight (Tuesday).
Over 50 bands, from all across Northern Ireland and beyond, will take part in the annual event, with Cormeen describing it as “one of the biggest parades to take place” anywhere on St Patrick’s Day.
The Killylea-based flute band had previously held the annual March 17 parade in the village, but for some time now has taken to the streets of Armagh, given the number of participants and spectators.
Bands are being asked to assemble from 7pm, and moving off at at 7.30pm, leaving from the Orange Hall on the Mall.
It will make its way along Mall East and pass Gaol Square, before parading through the city centre via Barrack Street, Scotch Street, Market Street and College Street, and returning to the starting point.
The band is promising that their big celebration will see St Patrick “remembered with a display of culture and heritage worthy of the man”.
“We are expecting one of the largest displays of bands and turnout of spectators yet,” the band has said, urging those planning to attend: “Get there early!”
The band has also updated participants and spectators alike on arrangements for the evening, as the promise to put on a “display of everything great and good and special and unique in Ulster culture”.
They did so via social media, stating: “Bands and spectators alike – please pay due heed to all marshals so we can make this the free-flowing and incident free parade it has become
“There may well be individuals in vehicles or foot who attempt to disrupt the evening- if you see any of this sort of behaviour please inform a marshal or the nearest PSNI officer immediately. Do not react to provocation!
“There may be individuals who attempt to engineer social media content – use your head.
“Portable toilets will be near the Orange Hall AND the Orange Hall toilets will be open. Please inform anyone who needs the toilet of this.”
And in a direct appeal to bands, they want to see as many as possible parade in uniform.
The band added: “Over the past few years more and more bands are not coming in uniform. We understand that many bands are awaiting new member uniforms, but equally for many others it just seems to be a growing habit. Please, if possible, bands should be in full uniform to maximise the spectacle for EVERYONE on the night.”
The parade is expected to conclude at 10.45pm and Cormeen are issuing a warm invitation for all to come and join in the celebrations in Armagh tonight.
