Much loved Cork band announced as St Patrick's parade Grand Marshal 

CORK band, The Frank and Walters have been announced as Grand Marshal of Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Organised by Cork City Council, the Cork St Patrick’s Festival will take place from March 15 to March 18, as the city celebrates its music, culture and tradition in honour of the patron saint.

Commenting on the announcement, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy said: “I am delighted that the iconic Cork band The Frank and Walters are the Grand Marshal of the Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade.

"The theme of this year’s parade is Pure Imagination and I invite those participating to explore the magic, wonder, colours and the world of dreams of Cork, all in a sense of togetherness. Our parade will be a celebration of life in Cork and our city of welcomes, with our traditional sporting and dance groups alongside new communities that have made our city their home.” 

The four-day festival will showcase a new specially-programmed range of events, including a performance from songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Paul Noonan, in the Triskel Arts Centre on March 15, as well as up-and-coming band, Kingfishr, who will appear there the following day.

An afternoon Céilí Mór will take place from 3pm to 6pm in City Hall on March 16, with acclaimed musicians from the Cork Trad Trio performing traditional music, as well as an afternoon programme of Circus High Jinks, towering aerial acrobatics and fire juggling on a tightwire at Elizabeth Fort on the same day, with a Circus Disco included for all attendees to enjoy.

The Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 17 at 1pm, on the familiar route from South Mall to Merchants Quay. The Parade will include over 3,000 participants, performance pieces from professional art groups, marching bands and groups from across Ireland, America, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The full programme of events for the four-day festival is available on www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie.