Taste of Ireland

Mar 10 2008 by David Himelfield, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TASTE OF IRELAND

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.”