CELEBRATIONS

Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day carnival parade is tomorrow starting in Royal Avenue at 11.30am and finishes at Writers Square followed by free concert – headlined by former JLS star Aston Merrygold and compered by Eoghan Quigg – at Custom House Square from 1.30pm.

In Dublin the National Parade is expected to attract half a million visitors with Star Wars actor Mark Hamill the guest of honour. The Luke Skywalker star has proud Irish roots – his great grandmother left Kilkenny for the States in 1873.

Grab your dancing shows and celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Ulster Hall with live music and a traditional afternoon cup of tea. Free tickets are available by calling 028 9033 4455 or in person at the Ulster Hall Box Office.

Musicians from the Ulster Orchestra will be playing in the Grade A-listed surroundings of Portaferry’s Portico for a fabulous evening of music inspired by Ireland – perfect for St Patrick’s Day.

Colin Glen Forest Park is hosting a family fun day with a whole host of activities sure to suit kids of all ages – filled with music and entertainers. Children will be able to get into the atmosphere with glitter tattoos, balloon modelling and bouncy castles not to mention the ever-popular Fairy Village and Gruffalo and Stick Man trails.

Castle Espie Wetland Centre, near Comber, Co Down, has special storytelling in the Crannog between 1pm and 3pm, facepainting and Karl Mantella’s Zoo-2-you Roadshow. Traditional music, arts and crafts and themed treats at the Kingfisher Kitchen will also be available. WWT members go free.