Music, film and dance at council event

BANBRIDGE District Council has promised a sensational line-up of performers in Solitude Park, on Saturday 17 March from 1.30 to 4pm in a bid to make this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in the district one of the best ever.

This event is being funded by the EU’s PEACE III Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and delivered by the PEACE III Southern Partnership.

Close-harmony vocal trio Swingabella and the fabulous James Huish and his band will provide the musical entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Swingabella will have the crowds singing and swinging with their sassy sounds of the 30’s and 40’s. The musical trio who are like a modern day version of the Andrews Sisters will impress the crowds with their vogue and vocals. As well as performing popular tunes from the era such as ‘Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree’, they are guaranteed to put their own spin on a well-known modern tune.

James Huish and his band will perform a fabulous range of classic swing jazz tunes all delivered with a modern pop and rock twist sure to get toes tapping and hips shaking. Having recently released his first album entitled, ‘It’s About Time’, this is James’ chance to step out of the shadows of his inspiration, Michael Buble, and perform music of his own but some Michael Buble favourites will still play a major part in his performance.

Fans of traditional dance won’t be disappointed on the day with performances by troupes from the Curran School of Irish Dance and the Kirknarra School of Dance.

The entertainment kicks off at 1.30pm with ‘Parcel of Rogues’ getting the crowd warmed up with some traditional Irish music.

Other fun activities for children and young people include swing dance workshops, St. Patrick-themed arts and crafts workshops, a special Mother’s Day craft workshop, a mini funfair for children, climbing tower, laser clay pigeon shooting, face painting and a selection of entertaining walkabout characters.

The event will also play host to the UK’s only inflatable cinema with a selection of short films being screened by Media Zoo Belfast.

Admission is free and everyone from the district and beyond is welcome to come along and having a craic-ing time.