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Huge St Patrick’s Day celebration in Bristol
A tinkle of Irish music and shamrock-covered crowds in large green hats signify Bristol’s St Patrick’s Day parade is just around the corner.
Sure enough, an orange tractor pulling ‘St Patrick’ leads a vibrant procession as it makes its way from M Shed, down The Grove towards Queen Square on Sunday afternoon.
Here, people gather in the water-logged square as the parade pauses for an Irish dancing performance, culminating with a puff of orange and green smoke.
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Swans, song, shamrocks, Irish Pride, puppets and more make up the vast parade, which this year has the theme ‘Sea of Migration’ and is being hailed the biggest yet in Bristol.
Among those at the head of the parade is deputy lord mayor and W.E. Irish parade organiser Paula O’Rourke.
Speaking ahead of the parade, Paula said: “With a belief that celebrating culture is transformative within communities, we are looking forward to bringing everyone, Irish or not, together for a big celebration and appreciation of what Irish people, past and present, have contributed to the West of England.
“Beyond the stereotypes, we’re extremely proud of our Irish heritage, culture and tradition and can’t wait to showcase the diversity in the city and to share learnings from the stories of Irish families in Bristol.”
The parade culminates at St Nick’s Market, where celebrations continue into Sunday evening.
Paula O’Rourke said the parade is a chance to showcase the diversity in the city
An orange tractor pulling ‘St Patrick’ leads a vibrant procession
Swans, song, shamrocks, Irish Pride, puppets and more make up the vast parade
The parade paused at a water-logged Queen Square for Irish dancing performances and a puff of orange and green smoke
All photos: Rob Browne
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