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ON Sunday, March 9, the eighth Huddersfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade took place.
Our 10 artistic-themed floats, seven bands and street displays rolled around the town centre, to be greeted by a joyous mass of spectators marvelling at the procession, displaying Irish art, literature, history, sport, music, myths and legends.
In unity our people, Irish and Huddersfielders, joined together in our fun-filled festival while marching and watching in the sunshine.
This year we were honoured to host our two fabulous bands from Ireland; the Kinsealy céilidh group from Dublin and the St John’s Pipe Band, of county Kerry. Both acts commented on the wonderful reception they received from the host community and how lucky we were to live in such a friendly town as Huddersfield.
We thank the Dion committee for their financial assistance, while not forgetting the police and St John’s Ambulance.
In many ways the parade is a microcosm of life. We can plan and prepare as much as we like but still can never be sure of what lies around the corner.
We hoped and prayed that the creativity, innovation, energy and vigour of our young local groups would be given the stage they deserved and thanks to the good Saint Patrick the foreboding clouds were brushed aside and the sun shone.
Without the Irish and our friends in Huddersfield we would be marooned and isolated, but with your active support we were able to display how forged friendships resulted in an island of treasure.
While our jamboree went with a rattle and a hum to the beat of a drum our thoughts were not of the past uncertainty; all doubts had drifted with the gentle breeze. Instead we reflected on the rousing applause, cheers of happiness and smiling faces and knew that just as we embraced your gift of kindness you all had accepted our bouquet, the Huddersfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
Lá le Pádraig shona daoibh go leir
A happy Saint Patrick’s Day to you all
John McLoughlin, Tony Lambe, Michael Kitterick
On behalf of the Huddersfield Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Association
CROWDS turned out for the craic at Huddersfield’s eight annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in the town centre yesterday.
Ten floats, celebrating different aspects of Irishness, made their way from the Huddersfield Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street, calling at John William Street, Market Street, the ring road and Westgate.
Fusing the modern with the traditional this year’s themes included Finian’s Rainbow and The Land of Leprechauns, Irish rock stars, St Patrick and The Snakes, Anne Enright and her Man Booker Prize-winning book The Gathering and Croke Park.
Organiser John McLoughlin said: “We’re trying to promote Irish culture in Huddersfield.
“There are two main ethos; to manifest the work and effort of the Irish community in Huddersfield over the years and to welcome good relations with the host communities.
“All in all, we’ve tried to educate and inform, but most of all bring fun for all the family and communities where we’re from. It’s all done in good spirits.
“The parade standard was as high as ever. It was the most adventurous one we’ve done.
“I’m very proud of Huddersfield, but equally proud of our Irish roots.”
The fun began at 12.30pm with music and dance in Market Place before the parade, which included majorettes and Irish dancers, set off.
Seven bands playing ceilidh, modern and traditional Irish, rock and samba kept the masses dancing.
Mr McLoughlin added: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. The weather’s been fine and the crowd at Market Place was overwhelming.
“We were staggered by the support. The floats were well received and the bands were fantastic. Twelve months of work by the committee has been well worth it. I’d like to give a big thanks to the people of Huddersfield for supporting us.”
PREPARATIONS are under way to ensure that this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade has all the luck of the Irish.
Each year thousands of people young and old, and of all nationalities, line the streets of Huddersfield to celebrate the national festival.
And organisers say that this year’s event will be bigger and better with more floats and bands and more attractions to keep the crowds entertained.
This year’s parade is on March 9, just over a week before St Patrick’s Day itself on March 17.
The colourful parade, celebrating its eighth anniversary, will wind its way through the streets of Huddersfield. It will feature 10 decorative floats, depicting modern and traditional Irish themes from Gaelic football to a garden of leprechauns.
There will be music from seven bands, including two bands that are big in Ireland. The Saint Johns’ Pipe and Drum band from Tralee in County Kerry is recognised as one of the leading groups in the Emerald Isle, while the Kinsealy Ceili Band from Dublin are a young up-and-coming band.
Other bands lined up for the fun-filled family event include a samba group and a rock band.
Attractions on the day will include majorettes, street entertainment, leprechauns, fancy dress characters and face-painting.
Stalls will be selling a range of Irish merchandise, including rosettes, hats and flags.
The celebrations start at 12.30pm with music and dancing outside the Irish Centre, St Patrick’s Catholic Centre and the Market Place.
For the first time this year there will be a stage in the Market Place, featuring a disco and Irish dancing to help warm up the crowds before the big parade.
The parade starts at 1pm from the Irish Centre and will journey along John William Street, New Street, Cloth Hall Street, Market Street, Westgate and Castlegate.
Participants will then make their way back on to Market Street and Railway Street before returning along John William Street and Fitzwilliam Street to the Irish Centre at 2.30pm.
Last year the family event attracted around 5,000 people keen to celebrate all things Irish.
Organiser John McLoughlin reckons this year’s parade will be just as popular.
He said: “This year is probably the most exciting for us because it’s the most ambitious parade we’ve ever had, especially because we’ve got 10 floats and seven bands – there’s definitely more variety!
“There’s a great selection of floats mixing the mystical and the modern themes and the two bands we’ve got coming over from Ireland should be fantastic – they are very popular and many of the Irish community will be aware of them.
“It’s also the first time we’ve had a stage, which we decided on because large crowds gather before the parade and we wanted to give them something to help get them warmed up.
“It’s a popular event because it offers diversity and something for everyone. It’s just a nice family event.
“It promises to be one of colour, culture and craic and everyone is invited to come along.”
Information on the event is on the website www.theparadeonline.org
Fun parade a huge hit once again
IRISH eyes were smiling as Huddersfield celebrated St Patrick's Day.
The seventh annual parade made its way through the town centre yesterday.
Organiser John McLoughlin said: "Our motto is that we promote Irish culture to everyone in Huddersfield, regardless of their background.
"The parade is a fun, family-based event."
Ten floats took part in the parade, celebrating different aspects of Irishness.
Themes included St Patrick and the snakes, Croke Park and the changing role of Irish women.
Mr McLoughlin said: "It was a good mixture of the traditional and the modern."
The festivities got under way at 12.30pm with music and dancing outside the Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street.
The parade began at 1pm, winding along John William Street, New Street, Cloth Hall Street, Market Street, Westgate and Castlegate.
It then went back on to Market Street and Railway Street before returning along John William Street and Fitzwilliam Street to the Irish Centre.
Irish dancers, majorettes, street entertainers, leprechauns and walking Guinness glasses all took part.
Music was provided by three top Irish bands, The Millstreet Pipers from County Cork, Offaly's Rahan Ceili Band and the Brother Walfrid Marching Band, from Nottingham.
There was also a fancy dress contest for adults and children for the first time.
Stalls along the route sold booklets, rosettes, hats and flags.
Mr McLoughlin believes the parade plays a key part in the life of many Irish people in Huddersfield. He said: "It means a lot because it shows how much we have developed and how welcome we have been made in this town."
REVELLERS braved the icy cold and snow to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Huddersfield.
A crowd of 3,000 people turned out for the town's sixth annual St Patrick's Day parade.
Despite the wintry weather, onlookers were in high spirits as they remembered Ireland's patron saint.
Parade secretary John McLoughlin said: "We've now had nearly every weather condition imaginable! What it has proved is that regardless of conditions, people will support the parade and want to be part of it.
"We have become part of Huddersfield's social calendar.
"Not only is it an event for the Irish, but for all the people of Huddersfield."
The parade of 10 floats set off from the Huddersfield Irish Centre at Fitzwilliam Street at 1pm.
It was headed by a party of flag bearers, who were followed by The St John's Pipe Band, from Tralee, in County Kerry.
The drum and pipe marching band - which is celebrating its 40th anniversary - is renowned for its role in the famous festival of The Rose of Tralee.
The parade also featured a vintage wagon from O'Shaughnessy's - bearing an accordion-playing Santa Claus.
Children from St Patrick's Primary School in Birkby had made a float, as had St Patrick's Centre and Huddersfield Irish Centre.
Other floats present belonged to the Huddersfield Irish Centre Football Club, the Mna Na H'Eirann (women of Ireland), the Celtic Tiger/Euro Brownies and Irish Society, the Frances Cassidy School of Irish Dancing, the Brothers Pearse Gaelic football club and Halifax Irish Centre.
Parade performers also included Marsden Majorettes and Silver Stars Majorettes, from Crosland Moor.
More musical entertainment was provided by Brother Walfrid Greyfriar's Flute Band, from Nottingham, and The Ballyshannon Ceili Group, from County Donegal, who brought up the rear of the parade.
Among the floats and bands were famous Irish characters Molly Malone and the Turfman of Ardee, children's entertainers, fancy dress leprechauns, walking Guinness glasses, stilt walkers, balloon distributors and face painters.
After 90 minutes, the parade along the 1.3 mile route was complete.
The crowds escaped the chilly weather to enjoy post-parade entertainment at the Huddersfield Irish Centre and at the St Patrick's Centre, Westgate.
Local performers Ragmuffin and Celtic duo George and Bailey played, along with Brother Walfrid Greyfriar's Flute Band, The St John's Pipe Band and The Ballyshannon Ceili Group.
The two visiting Irish bands had already performed a pre-parade concert at the Huddersfield Irish Centre on Saturday night.
Children partied the day away at a disco on Sunday until 7.30pm, when adults were left alone to celebrate.
A DAY not to forget has been promised by the organisers of this year's Huddersfield St Patrick's Day Parade.
They want a family festival feel to next Sunday's event.
Five bands, including two from Ireland, will feature in the sixth annual parade, which last year attracted 5,000 people.
The St John's Pipers from County Kerry - famous for playing at the Rose of Tralee Festival and celebrating their 40th anniversary - will lead the procession, which starts from Huddersfield Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street at 1pm.
And the Ballyshannon Ceili Group from County Donegal will bring up the rear.
They will be supported by the Brother Walfrid Greyfriars flute band, from Nottingham, and local groups the Celtic Duo and Rag Muffin.
Parade secretary John McLoughlin said 10 decorated floats, each showing a different aspect of Irish life, would join the procession.
There will also be majorettes, Irish dancers, traditional and modern music, street entertainers, leprechauns, a `Molly Malone', walking Guinness glasses and Irish fare.
The parade will go from the Irish Centre, down Fitzwilliam Street, along John William Street and New Street, up Cloth Hall Street, down Market Street, up Westgate and along Castlegate.
It will then go down Market Street, along Railway Street, along John William Street and up Fitzwilliam Street back to the Irish Centre.
The two Irish bands will be on stage at the centre for the Parade Eve Concert at 8.30pm next Saturday.
For more details about the concert or parade phone 01484 420140 or visit www.theparadeonline.org
The Parade has successfully been awarded £2,500 from The Big Lotery 'Awards for All' fund, as reported as follows in the Examiner:
'ALMOST £½m has been awarded to community groups in Yorkshire.
And a £64,900 chunk of the Awards for All money is heading into the Huddersfield area.
Run by the Big Lottery Fund, Awards for All makes awards between £500 to £5000 available for community groups and voluntary organisations.
The latest round of awards has totalled £497,809 which is to be shared between 118 groups in Yorkshire.
Vanessa White, Big Lottery Fund head of region, said: " Awards for All is a great way for us to channel lottery good causes money to local projects.
"A tremendous range of projects have been funded and again, thousands of people will see the benefits that smaller lottery grants put into the hands of hard-working locals can bring."
The Huddersfield-based group, Artists in Mind, are receiving a grant for £2,995 which will be put towards improving the lives of people suffering form mental illnesses.
The Peace Artistes group based in Slaithwaite, will use a £3,800 grant to hold street music workshops that will see participants get involved in the annual Moonraking Festival.
Vanessa added: "We would like to hear from anyone who feels that a grant could help their work."
For more information call the advice line on 0845 600 20 40, or log onto www.awardsforall.org.uk'
Irish pipers lead St Patrick's Day floats
IT'S two months away - but planning is well advanced for a big St Patrick's Day parade in Huddersfield.And one of Ireland's finest pipe bands will be taking part, it has been revealed.
The St John's Pipers from Tralee, county Kerry, will head the procession on Sunday, March 12.
Delighted parade secretary John McLoughlin said: "They are renowned for playing at the world famous Rose of Tralee pageant.
"It's a magnificent achievement for us and for the Irish community to get them."
The band will play a concert at the town's Irish Centre on the night before the parade.
This year's procession is expected to include 10 themed floats and street entertainers.
Organisers are in talks with another Irish band about taking part.
The parade, now in its sixth year, will cost £15,000 to stage.
Thousands of people - many waving Irish flags - watched last year as floats snaked round Huddersfield town centre.
Supporters are being urged to attend two fundraising events at the Irish Centre.
Irish rock band The Belt of Celts will play this Saturday.
And on February 11 a Stars In Their Eyes talent competition will be held.
Mr McLoughlin said: "More and more people are joining in each year."
THOUSANDS of happy people snaked round Huddersfield town centre yesterday on the town's annual St Patrick's Day parade.
The event, now in its fifth year, attracted record crowds along its route through the town.
The parade, which started at the Huddersfield Irish Centre on Fitzwilliam Street, also took in John William Street, Market Street, Westgate and Castlegate.
The crowd, many of whom waved Irish flags, were also treated to the sight of 10 floats, two bands and seven groups, who represented the whole spectrum of the Irish community.
The floats included ones from St Patrick's Primary School, the Mna Na H'Eireann (Women of Ireland) and the Frances Cassidy School of Irish Dancing.
Two bands came across from Ireland to help with the celebrations.
The Brosna Ceili Band got people in the mood for the ``craic" while the marching band with the parade was The Millstreet Pipe Band from Cork.
As well as playing in the parade, both played a concert on the parade's eve.
Parade secretary John McLoughlin said the fine weather helped on the day.
He added: "The weather has been fantastic. The sun was shining and it allowed us to portray the parade in all its colour.
"It's full of colour and culture and it's given us the chance to show our Irish acts, together with our local artists.
"This year has been the longest procession I can remember. More and more people are joining in every year and they want to be part of it.
"The parade was great, it was a wonderful success and full of smiling faces."
HUDDERSFIELD'S biggest Irish event, the St Patrick's Day parade, takes place at the weekend.
It is Huddersfield's fifth such parade.
The celebrations will begin at 8.30pm on Saturday night at the Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street.
Two bands from Ireland - the Brosna Ceili Band, from County Offaly and the Millstreet Pipe Band from County Cork - will perform at a joint concert.
Sunday is the day of the parade itself, which usually attracts between 3,000 and 5,000 people.
Entertainment will begin at noon, with Irish dancing and pipers outside the Irish Centre and disco music outside St Patrick's Centre in Trinity Street.
There will be children's entertainment, including face painting and balloon modelling, plus a stall selling hats, caps, rosettes and other merchandise.
The parade will leave the Irish Centre at 1pm.
It will feature 10 floats, seven local groups and the two Irish bands.
Parade secretary John McLoughlin said: "Every year the number of local groups involved grow.
"This is great because the parade is for all the people of Huddersfield, as well as the Irish community.
"It's all systems go and we are ready for the big day. We hope people will turn out and have a good time."
The parade will make its way from Fitzwilliam Street, along John William Street, Cloth Hall Street and Market Street.
It will then proceed up Westgate and along Castlegate, before turning back to Market Street and heading along Railway Street and John William Street.
It then goes into Fitzwilliam Street to the Irish Centre.
The entertainment continues at the Irish Centre at 2.30pm, with music from Scarlet Heights. From 3pm, there will be Irish dancing at St Patrick's Centre.
From 4.30pm, Irish entertainer George will be at the Irish Centre.
He will be followed by Tony's family and children's disco at 6.30pm.
From 8pm, the Brosna Ceili Band and the Millstreet Pipe Band will perform.
From 9.30pm, Tony's disco will return for the rest of the night.
Parade visitors can park in the railway car park off Fitzwilliam Street.
St Patrick's Day is on March 17.
For further information, visit www.theparadeonline. org
ORGANISERS are planning a colourful St Patrick's Day parade in Huddersfield.
The celebration - the fifth in the town - takes place on Sunday, March 13, starting at 1pm.
And two top bands from Ireland are being brought in for the celebrations.
John McLoughlin, who is part of the organising committee, said: "The Millstreet Pipers, from Cork, will lead the procession through Huddersfield town centre and the Brosna Ceili Band, from County Offaly, will bring up the rear.
"This is a coup for us and is partly due to £3,500 grants we have secured from Kirklees Council's Cultural Services Community Chest and Young People's Services.
"The parade will have at least 10 decorative themed floats and there will also be dancers, live music and children's entertainers.
"The Irish bands will also play at a concert in the Huddersfield Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street on the eve of the parade, so it should be a great weekend.
"It is a tremendous boost to the Irish community and the people of Huddersfield, who will benefit from another spectacular parade."
The whole event is expected to cost about £15,000 to stage and organisers are still raising cash.
A Stars In Their Eyes special at the Irish Centre raised £450.
St Patrick's Day is actually on March 17.
HUDDERSFIELD is set for a top class St Patrick's Day parade after the event won arts funding.
The Huddersfield St Patrick's Day Parade Association is one of 11 groups handed grants totalling £12,000.
Next year's parade, the fifth, will involve 10 themed floats as well as marchers, dancers and a band.
The theatre group Figment Theatre also won funding from Kirklees Cultural and Leisure Service's grant body.
It works with elderly community groups to explore fears and experience of doorstep crimes.
CHARITY campaigners are pushing the boat out in Huddersfield.
Their 16ft-long vessel will be hauled through town centre streets to raise cash for West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust.
The charity is battling to raise funds to build a children's hospice in the Kirklees and Calderdale area.
Supporters of the St Patrick's Day Parade in Huddersfield will stage the boat push on Saturday June 19.
A team of 20 people has been recruited to push the boat, which has been loaned by Huddersfield Sea Cadets.
John Lambe, St Patrick's Day Parade secretary, said: "We intend this to be a fantastic fun day and hope to raise a good amount for the Forget Me Not Trust."
The boat will be pushed round town with help from the Brothers Pearse Gaelic Football Club, Huddersfield Irish Centre Football Club and the Sea Cadets.
The event will be based on the theme of St Brendan, who, according to legend, discovered America in the sixth century.
A DJ dressed as Brendan will travel in the boat.
The push starts at 1pm outside the St Patrick's Centre, Trinity Street, and goes to the Kingsgate Centre, where there will be collections from 1.30 to 4.30pm.
It will be followed by a social evening with Johnny and the Poorboys playing Celtic rock n' roll at Huddersfield Irish Centre, Fitzwilliam Street.
BLUSTERY weather failed to dampen spirits during the colourful and spectacular St Patrick's Day Parade in Huddersfield.
Spectators wore hats and waved Irish flags to cheer on the procession as it wound its way through the town centre yesterday.
Clusters of people congregated in St George's Square, Market Place and under the railway viaduct at the bottom of Fitzwilliam Street.
The event featured 10 floats, hosts of children from various youth organisations and two bands from Ireland.
Parade secretary John McLoughlin said: "Considering the weather, it was nice to see so many young people there."
He added: "We were concerned about the weather at 11am, when we were having heavy showers and gales were forecast. But about a quarter of the way round the course it brightened up."
Mr McLoughlin also said he was glad to see so many Brownie Guides and other organisations taking part.
"We all make our living in Huddersfield and we are happy to bring everybody in." he said.
"The bands from Ireland were surprised at the amount of community support the event received."
The Newcastle West and District Pipe Band, from County Limerick - voted champions of all Ireland three times - led the procession.
Pupils from St Patrick's RC Primary School displayed a model of Oscar Wilde's Selfish Giant and the 23rd Slaithwaite Brownies and Guides made their debut in the procession, carrying the flags of the Irish counties.
A routine performed to modern Irish and universal hits was given by the Silver Stars Majorettes and the English Martyrs Church Brownies sang for the crowd.
Youngsters from the Frances Cassidy School of Irish Dancing entertained and the Bofield Ceili Band, who performed in the 2002 St Patrick's Day Parade in New York, brought up the rear of the procession.
Jugglers, balloon sculptors and clowns performed in the street. A disco was also held at the Irish Centre, Fitzwilliam Street. St Patrick's Day is on Wednesday.
YOUNGSTERS who created promotional art for the St Patrick's Day parade in Huddersfield will have their work displayed around the world.
The St Patrick's Day Parade Association invited local children under 14 to design posters for the event.
The parade will be held on March 14 - though St Patrick's Day is actually March 17.
Youngsters were also asked to design St Patrick's Day cards.
Tom Carrick, Mark Cook and Fionnuala O'Connor won the poster competition.
Their posters will be used to advertise the parade.
Libby Davies won the prize of having her poster featured on the front of the parade booklets.
These will soon go on sale and some will be sent to St Patrick's Day Associations in England, Ireland, America, Canada and Australia.
Beth Aspinall was the card design winner.
Her St Patrick's Day cards will be sent to Irish organisations around the world and to the Irish president Mary McAlees.
Parade association treasurer John McLoughlin said: "It is another example of our commitment to involving children in our family event."
As well as the poster campaign, the build-up to the parade includes a concert on March 13 at the Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street.
Top Irish bands The Newcastle West and District Pipers, from County Limerick, and the Bofield Ceilidh Band, from County Mayo, will take the stage.
The bands are being brought to Huddersfield thanks to a £4,700 grant from the National Lottery's Awards For All scheme.
On parade day, the pipers will lead the procession while the ceilidh band bring up the rear in a train of ten decorative themed floats.
The parade will also feature street entertainers, musicians, standard bearers, dancers, DJs, children's entertainers and the Huddersfield Town terrier mascot.
The fun will start at 12.15pm, when the Moon De Lune Jazz Players perform at Market Place.
At 1pm, the parade will set off from the Irish centre and follow a 1.3 mile circular route around the town.
The parade will end at 2.30pm and refreshments will be available from the St Patrick's Centre.
At 3pm, the fun shifts to the Irish centre, where band Scarlet Heights performs, followed at 5.30pm by the Bofield Ceilidh Band and The Newcastle West and District Pipe Band. An Irish disco will start at 8pm.
A LOTTERY grant has given St Patrick's Day celebrations in Huddersfield a boost.
Organisers are to use a £4,700 gift from the National Lottery's Award For All fund to help pay for two top Irish bands to play at the parade on March 14.
Limerick-based Newcastle West and District Pipers and The Bofield Ceili Band, from County Mayo, will be in town.
St Patrick's Day is actually on March 21, but the parade is being held early because the bands have engagements in Ireland on the big day itself.
The festivities will start at 12.15pm, when the Moon De Lune Jazz Players perform in the Market Place and the Frances Cassidy School of Irish Dancing's float arrives at St Patrick's Club in New North Parade.
At 12.30pm Kirklees Mayor Clr Barbara Allonby will arrive at the Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street and the parade will start at 1pm. The pipers will lead the procession through Huddersfield town centre and the ceili band will be at the rear.
Also featured in the parade will be 10 themed decorative floats, street entertainers, musicians, dancers, DJs, fancy dress and children's events.
The parade will wind its way along a circular route of just over a mile in the town centre, starting and finishing at the Irish Centre.
After the parade, Irish band Scarlet Heights will perform at the Irish Centre, starting at 3pm.
The Pipers and the Ceili Band will play from 5.30pm at the Irish Centre. Admission for this concert will be £2.
This money will go towards the running costs of the event, which are expected to total £15,000.
YOUNG artists from Huddersfield could have their work featured on promotional material for this year's St Patrick's Day Parades - across the world.
Huddersfield St Patrick's Day Parade Association is offering children under 14 the chance to have their picture promote the event.
They are being asked to send in their paintings of a St Patrick's Day parade.
The three winners of the competition will have their entry displayed on the front cover of the parade booklet, promotional posters and St Patrick's Day cards.
These will be distributed throughout England and sent to other St Patrick's Day Associations in Ireland, America, Canada and Australia.
"Usually we get art students to do the picture, but this year we want to do something for the people at the younger end," said John McLoughlin, association treasurer.
" We want them to give it a bit of a lighthearted feel."
Competition entries should be in by Monday, February 2.
The exact date of this year's parade has yet to be finalised but St Patrick's Day is March 17.
IT'S not yet Christmas . . but that hasn't stopped these organisers of Huddersfield's St Patrick's Day Parade starting their fundraising campaign.
The big day may seem a long way off but event manager Joan St John, pictured front) with her committee, want to make sure they don't disappoint.
Sunday, March 14 will see Huddersfield's fourth St Patrick's Day Parade take place. Last year the parade attracted 3,000 partygoers. The coming year promises to be just as good.
Organisers estimate £15,000 will be needed to stage the event. The group also hopes to receive some form of statutory funding.
To kick off, the group are selling Irish themed merchandise in the run-up to Christmas.
Tomorrow and Sunday see a sale in the Irish Centre in Fitzwillam Street followed by a sale in the St Patrick's Centre, Trinity Street, next Friday. .
The Irish Centre is also the venue for a Christmas party on December 20, where tickets are £2.
John McLaughlin, treasurer of the St Patrick's Day Parade, promised the event would include a great deal of singing and dancing.
3,000 celebrate St Patrick's Day
Mar 10 2003
By Katie Canmpling, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
DANCERS, bands and fancy dress revellers took to the streets of Huddersfield in the town's third St Patrick's Day parade.
The festivities began yesterday with a display from pupils of Frances Cassidy School of Irish Dancing at the St Patrick's Centre in Trinity Street.
Colourful floats then travelled from the Huddersfield Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street, along John William Street, into New Street, through Market Street and Westgate and on to Market Place. They then headed back to the Irish centre along John William Street.
The floats were accompanied by a flute band, a pipe band and a traditional Irish band, as well as majorettes, dancers, street entertainers and people in fancy dress.
Several thousand people turned out to remember Ireland's patron saint.
Organiser John McLoughlin said St Patrick's Day was not until March 17. The event had been held early to ensure the best bands could attend.
Mr McLoughlin said he was delighted with this year's parade, which was the biggest and best yet.
He said: "It was excellent. We are absolutely delighted.
"We had fine weather and there was a large crowd.
"The parade was longer than last year and a number of people said it was the best yet.
"It is certainly the biggest - about 3,000 people.
"It was a tremendous success and we would like to thank everyone who turned out for it."
Getting ready for big parade
Mar 5 2003
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
A DOZEN styles of Irish music will feature in a St Patrick's Day parade in Huddersfield on Sunday.
The event will feature the largest gathering of Irish musicians in the town and 10 floats.
These young gaelic footballers, pictured, are also getting ready for the parade.
John McLoughlin, parade press officer, said: "After last year's appalling weather, the parade organisers decided to treat supporters to our most spectacular event, with a wide range of acts for all the family.
"It is the audience which adds that extra- special ingredient. We invite people from all ethnic groups to join our procession."
The event is being held eight days before St Patrick's Day to secure the talents of the James Larkin Liverpool Irish Flute Band, the Birmingham Irish Drum and Pipe Band and the Leeds Comhaltas - traditional Irish musicians.
The procession begins at 1pm at the Irish Centre, Fitzwilliam Street.
The talents of Irish dancers will be on show outside the St Patrick's Centre, Trinity Street, from 12.30pm.
For more information, visit the www.theparadeonline.org website.
Early date is set for parade
Dec 6 2002
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
THE date has been named for next year's St Patrick's Day Parade in Huddersfield.
It will be held on Sunday March 9 - a week before St Patrick's Day itself.
Organisers said holding the parade earlier meant they could call upon bands from Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.
More street entertainers, including majorettes and Irish dancers, are promised for the parade.
John McLoughlin, one of the organisers, said: "A number of people travel from Britain and Ireland knowing that they can take part in our parade and watch their own a week later."
Organisers have won a £2,119 grant from the Community Chest Fund. But they are still facing a total bill of more than £12,000.
Fund-raising events
include a fashion show at the Irish Centre, Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, at 7.30pm next Tuesday.
And Irish musicians and dancers will entertain in New Street on Sunday December 22.
It's party time for St Patrick's Day
Mar 16 2002
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
SHAMROCKS will be out in force this weekend as Huddersfield celebrates St Patrick's Day.
The town's Irish community launched a week of events with a colourful parade last Sunday.
And there will be entertainers and discos at Huddersfield's Irish Centre and St Patrick's Centre for the day itself - tomorrow.
Joan St John, of the Huddersfield Irish Centre, said: "It is a holy day so a lot of people will go to church but there will be events in the evening."
The partying at O'Neill's Irish bar in Queensgate started today. Customers will mark the start of the saint's day throughout the world.
Manager Chris Hart said: "A bell will ring in the bar when St Patrick's Day starts in Fiji and then in Sydney, Australia, Beijing, China, Delhi, India and Rome, Italy."
At midnight, the English and Irish celebrations begin and go on until 1am. And tomorrow there will be Irish dancers, a face painter creating shamrocks and Irish flags, and Irish stew.
At the Head of Steam in Huddersfield 17 Irish ales are on sale.
Irish eyes smile on, despite heavy rain
Mar 11 2002
By Neil Atkinson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
HEAVY rain and winds failed to dampen Irish spirits in Huddersfield.
Hundreds of people braved terrible weather yesterday to take part in, or watch, the town's second St Patrick's Day Parade.
The event - held a week early to avoid other attractions - saw a much bigger parade than the first celebration last year.
And, despite the rain and wind, organisers were delighted with the turnout along the parade route through the town centre.
Parade association secretary Joe Cornelly said: "There were a lot of people out, despite the weather, and although numbers were down on last year in the crowd it was more than compensated for by the numbers in the parade.
"We had 10 floats, dancers, musicians, majorettes and a theatre group. It went very well.
"Some of the floats suffered because of the wind and rain, but everything went to plan and people had a great time."
The event was labelled "Return Of The Craic" and the parade, from the Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street, was led by the James Larkin Flute Band, from Liverpool.
Organisers were delighted that The Straw Boys, a dance and theatre group from Ireland, were able to join the parade. They had been forced to cancel last year's visit because of the foot and mouth crisis.
Also taking part were the Silver Stars Majorettes, from Milnsbridge, the Francis Cassidy School of Dancing and other dancers.
A 15-minute display of dancing delighted people at St Patrick's Catholic Centre in Trinity Street, before the parade returned to the Irish Centre.
Mr Cornelly added: "We had a good day - despite the weather - and we will be back next year. We meet on Thursday to start planning the 2003 event."
Irish prepare for a party!
Mar 9 2002
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
THE Irish community in Huddersfield was today making final preparations for its big day.
A dance group from the west coast of Ireland will help a St Patrick's parade go with a swing tomorrow.
The Straw Boys will dance around the crowd to help generate a party spirit.
Floats set off at 11.30am from the Huddersfield Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street.
A dance demonstration will be given by the Straw Boys and girls from the School of Irish Dancing during a pause in the parade outside St Patrick's Club in Trinity Street.
Spokesman John McLoughlan said: "It's going to be a great day."
The event has been backed with £5,700 from the Awards for All scheme and Kirklees Council.
Irish eyes smile for parade
Mar 6 2002
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
The streets of Huddersfield will be alive with the sound of Irish music, dancing and entertainment this Sunday.
Huddersfield's Irish community will hold its second annual parade in the build-up to St Patrick's Day, which is on Sunday March 17.
The parade is a week early to avoid clashes with other celebrations.
Stiltwalkers will entertain families gathering to watch the parade in John William Street from 10.30am. Face painters will cover people with shamrocks and Irish flags outside St Patrick's Centre, Trinity Street, where other activities continue throughout the afternoon.
Balloon sculptors and a unicyclist will also entertain the waiting crowd and people in fancy dress will hand out balloons.
At 11.30am, the procession of floats, decked out in traditional Gaelic colours, will set off from the Huddersfield Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street.
It will feature Irish pipers, Liverpool Flute Band and The James Larkin Band, which featured in last year's parade.
A disco float will play Irish pop tunes from The Dubliners, The Pogues and others.
Children will perform traditional Irish dances on their floats and The Gaelic Athletic Association will feature on another float.
Joan St John, the event's manager, said: "The parade is not only for people with Irish connections, it is for the whole community. We want to bring Irish culture to the town for people who would not otherwise experience it."
A magician and Boots and Scoots line dancers will start a party at the Irish Centre, continuing into the evening with a disco and the band Ushna.
Double the fun in Irish parade No 2
Dec 7 2001
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
PLANS are well under way for Huddersfield's second St Patrick's Day parade.
Double the amount of colourful floats are planned - and treble the amount of music. But next year, the colourful event will be staged a week earlier than the saint's day of March 17. Organisers have booked Irish bands from Ireland, Liverpool and Manchester - which have other commitments on St Patrick's Day itself.
Crowds flocked to Huddersfield town centre to hear the band and see the dancing when this year's parade took place.
Event treasurer John McLaughlin said: "We attracted 4,000 people - not just the Irish community, but Huddersfield residents from all walks of life who don't have any Irish connections.
"That's what we wanted to achieve."
A total of £3,000 has already been raised towards the £10,000-£15,000 costs of next year's parade on Sunday, March 10. It is hoped grant aid can be gained.
Mr McLaughlin said: "We hoped to have dance troupe The Straw Boys from the west of Ireland this year, but they couldn't come because of the foot and mouth outbreak. We hope they'll join us in March.
"The Silver Star Majorettes, from Milnsbridge, will perform again in March and we've doubled the number of floats to 10.
"They'll all be based on Irish cultural themes, such as Gaelic football and Irish women."
Primary and secondary schools are taking part. Clowns and jugglers are set to provide extra entertainment.
Mr McLaughlin added: "After the first parade about 400 people filled in feedback forms, and over 90% of them said they would love to hear more Irish music.
"So we've trebled the amount of music that will be playing. We've listened to the people of Huddersfield and we're giving them what they want."
A Christmas party at the Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield tonight will boost funds for the parade.
The fun, including music from the 50s to the 70s, starts at 8pm and entry costs £2.50.
Meeting on St Patrick's parade
Jun 7 2001
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
PEOPLE are being invited to find out more about Huddersfield's St Patrick's Day Parade.
The meeting at the Irish Centre, Fitzwilliam Street, at 8.30pm tomorrow is open to everyone, not just Irish people.
A video of this year's parade will be shown and copies will be on sale.
People are also being asked for idea's for next year's parade.
John McLaughlin, of the parade committee, said:
"We want to hear from anyone with ideas on how we can improve the parade for next year."
It's the big parade!
Mar 12 2001
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
THESE young dancers were part of Huddersfield's first St Patrick's Day Parade, when the sounds of sights of Erin's Isle filled the town centre.
The girls from the Frances Cassidy Irish School of Dancing, waved from the Huddersfield Irish Centre float at the crowds which lined the streets yesterday lunchtime.
Thousands of people flocked to Huddersfield town centre yesterday to watch the town's first St Patrick's Day Parade.
People from all sectors of society joined the town's thriving Irish community to cheer the floats and soak up the atmosphere.
The parade was headed by the Huddersfield Irish Society banner, followed by the pipes and drums of the James Larkin Liverpool and Irish Flute Band.
Organiser John McLoughlin was delighted with the public's response to the St Patrick's Day celebrations.
"The turnout outstripped all our expectations," he said. "We wanted to combine Irish culture with the people of Huddersfield and have done just that."
The Huddersfield Irish Society's float was designed by the pupils of All Saints' High School, Bradley Bar.
Other floats featured the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Women of Ireland, St Patrick's Catholic Club and the Irish Centre. The centre's float carried dancers, girls from the Frances Cassidy School of Irish Dancing.
They wore brightly coloured outfits and performed traditional dances outside the Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street, St Patrick's Centre in Trinity Street and Sainsbury's on Market Street, cheered on by the crowds.
The Silver Stars Majorettes carried on dancing throughout the 90-minute procession, which started and ended at the Irish Centre.
Children from St Patrick's Church and Brownies joined in the procession, along with many people connected to the Irish community.
A lot of those taking part wore green rosettes or an item of green clothing, such as shirts, hats or ribbons. Line dancers from Boots & Scoots also entertained the onlookers, who lined the pavements on John William Street and Westgate.
Pat and Margaret Moran, of Lowerhouses, who have been members of St Patrick's Catholic Club since 1956, were thrilled to watch the procession unfold.
Mr Moran said: "It is a marvellous turnout. We have been away but made sure we returned especially for today.
"It is about time that Huddersfield, which has a big Irish community, had something like this. It does the town proud and the Irish people proud," he added.
The parade was supported by the Huddersfield Pride regeneration body and Kirklees Council.
Police closed roads in the town centre as the parade passed through.
All ready for St Patrick's parade
Mar 9 2001
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
FINAL plans are being drawn up for Sunday's spectacular St Patrick's Day parade in Huddersfield.
Musicians, dancers and other groups are to join a colourful parade through the town centre and will be performing for the crowds.
Irish dancers, music groups and majorettes will stop the parade outside St Patrick's Club in Trinity Street, Sainsbury's in Market Street and the Irish Centre in Fitzwilliam Street to give displays.
One of the organisers, John McLoughlin, said: "The excitement is mounting - especially within the Irish community in Huddersfield.
"I think the decorated floats are going to be breathtaking, and the whole parade will be great for the spectators."
Parade hit by disease alert
Mar 7 2001
By Jane Yelland, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
MUSICIANS from Ireland have had to pull out of the St Patrick's Day Parade in Huddersfield - because of the alert over foot and mouth disease.
The Straw Boys, from County Mayo, West Ireland, were due to form part of the parade in Huddersfield on Sunday.
But they have cancelled their trip because of the foot and mouth outbreak.
Mr John McLoughlin, treasurer of the parade committee said: "A number of the band work on farms and if they come over here they will then have to stay away from the countryside in Ireland for five to seven days so it is not really feasible for them to come. It is just not worth the risk.''
Instead, the Straw Boys will be replaced by the Huddersfield Irish Set Dancers, an adult troupe which practises at the Huddersfield Irish Centre.
Kirklees Council marketing and tourism manager Ms Alison Harpin said the foot and mouth outbreak, which has seen people banned from the countryside, has not hit the local tourism industry so far.
Irish eyes will be smiling at parade
Mar 6 2001
By Rosey Hamilton, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
IRISH dancers and majorettes are hard at work practising for Huddersfield's first St Patrick's Day parade.
Organisers promise that the parade, on Sunday, will be a spectacular occasion.
Huddersfield town centre will be awash with shamrocks, dancing, Gaelic music and merry-making.
The parade, which begins at noon, will start and finish at the Huddersfield Irish Centre on Fitzwilliam Street.
Parade spokesman John McLoughlin said: "The aim of our inaugural parade is to embrace and portray the many themes which intermingle to create Irish culture.
"This will show through our various floats.
"In short, Erin's Isle travels the Huddersfield mile."
He added that the parade was for everybody to enjoy and said that all who attended would be given a warm welcome.
"We are trying to blend the best of Huddersfield with the best of Irish culture."
Floats include a women's float decked in green, which will display Ireland's feminine roots as the parade also coincides with the International Women's Day festival.
Joan Lenihan, a spokeswoman for the mNa na h'Eireann (Women of Ireland), said: "We will portray the role that all women, and in particular Irish ones, have played in sport, music and literature."
Many local groups will take part including The Frances Cassidy Irish School of Dancing, The Silver Stars Majorettes, Boots and Scoots Line Dancers and several DJs.
Children and young people will wear the 32 Gaelic Athletics Association county shirts of Ireland.
Ollie Walsh, Huddersfield's GAA secretary, said that the Gaelic Games played a vital role in promoting Irish culture, and this would be reflected in the parade.
Visiting groups will enhance the parade's Gaelic flavour.
They include the Straw Boys from County Mayo and the James Larking Liverpool and Irish Flute Band, which will lead the procession.
Huddersfield Pride and Kirklees Council have given financial support to the event, which has been endorsed by the likes of Irish personality Terry Wogan and actors James Nesbitt and Amanda Burton.
The parade is just one of the events to celebrate Irish culture in the run-up to St Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 17.
Throughout the nine days, there will be entertainment from live bands, exhibitions, games nights and Irish food.
Singers, musicians and dancers will perform on Thursday, March 15, at the Irish Centre.
For further information about the events and timings, contact the Irish Centre by telephoning 01484 420140.
Research planned into early Irish settlers
Dec 8 2000
By Huddersfield Daily Examiner
IRISH people who settled in Huddersfield during the first half of the last century are being asked to contact researchers who want to compile a book on their experiences.
John McLoughlin is seeking out older Irish settlers for inclusion in a booklet to be produced in conjunction with St Patrick's Day celebrations in March next year.
For the first time the Irish community, boosted by other local organisations, will organise a parade through the streets of Huddersfield, complete with floats and marching bands.
Mr McLoughlin, who helps run the parade committee, said: "A lot of Irish people came to Huddersfield after the Second World War, although others came before that.
"I would like to speak to people about their first impressions of Huddersfield and how they fitted in.
"We are trying to promote Huddersfield as much as anything and would like to portray the relationship between the Irish and local people in a positive way."
People can contact Mr McLoughlin by writing to him c/o The Irish Centre, 86 Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, or by ringing him at the centre on 01484 420140. He is there most evenings.
Alternatively, they can meet Mr McLoughlin in person at the centre at 8.30pm on December 16, when there is a performance by Irish singer Joe McShane.
