Huddersfield turns green for St Patrick's parade

Mar 9 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Town turned green

THE skies were grey but the streets were green as the 10th annual St Patrick’s Day parade snaked its way through Huddersfield.

Rain, sleet and snow poured on to the numerous floats, musicians, marchers and onlookers as the procession prepared to get underway at 1pm yesterday.

But then, as if by providence, sun broke through the clouds to light up the streets for the hundreds of people who had turned out to mark the occasion.

Parade secretary John McLoughlin said: “It was a lot worse before the parade started and then it started to brighten up and to be fair I don’t think it dampened the spirits of people who turned out.

“They enjoyed it, they were cheering along and the parade itself was full of great colour, the music was resounding and, regardless of the weather, it’s a hugely special day. It’s a day for the family.”

Among the organisations which had floats were Irish Nurses in the NHS, Huddersfield Irish Centre, Mouldy Joe’s Band, St Patrick’s School and St Patrick’s Club.

The celebrations featured live bands and entertainment including street dancers, a DJ, Irish dancers, children’s rides and games. The procession was led by the Limerick City Pipe and Drum Band.

Students from St Patrick’s Catholic College had made a giant snake in recognition of the legend that St Patrick drove all snakes out of Ireland.