The global economic downturn will be forgotten for a day when a rich array of local & expatriate groups provide free entertainment for all the family at South East Asia’s only St Patrick’s Day Parade which takes place in Singapore on Sunday, 15 March.

This year’s parade will wind its way from the Raffles Statue on Boat Quay across the Singapore River to the UOB Plaza & will include marching bands, 80+ bagpipers, Asian cultural performers, Irish dancers & a wide range of people, young & old celebrating the national day of Ireland.

Attracting over 3,000 marchers & onlookers in 2008, the St Patrick’s Day Parade, organized by the Irish Business Association together with the St Patrick’s Society offers an ideal break from the normal Sunday routine with a colorful street parade & free open air performances.

All the volunteer organizers ask in return is for onlookers to join in the fun & wear something green!

“Last year we got the rub of the green, weather-wise!” said Colin MacDonald, Chair of the Irish Business Association & “it looks like this year will be even more colourful & green than ever before”.

“Each year we get more & more involvement & participation from Singaporean & non-Irish community groups & individuals, which brings a unique & very special dimension to the Parade” said Teresa Ryan, Chair of the St Patrick’s Society. “In Singapore, St. Patrick’s Day is all about sharing & celebrating cultural diversity together.”

The Parade will feature both Irish & various Asian musicians & dancers, including brass bands, traditional Irish music & traditional Irish dancers. Amongst the groups taking part this year will be St Joseph’s Institute Brass Band & Pipe Band, St Patrick’s School, USA Girl Guides, Irish Inspirational Dance & even a Star Wars group!

Editors Note
The St Patrick’s Day Parade commemorates Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. It is co-organised & jointly supported by the Irish Business Association & the St Patrick’s Society of Singapore.

Sponsorship is provided by Ireland’s No.1 beer, Guinness & DBS, an Irish engineering company.

About the Irish Business Association
Founded in 1992, the IBA connects Irish business people & friends of Ireland in Singapore & in SE Asia. It organizes a range of networking events & co-organizes the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

About the St Patrick’s Society
Founded in 1947, the St Patrick’s Society encourages all in Singapore who are interested in Ireland to get together & celebrate our culture in our own unique style. It organizes a range of events throughout the year to appeal to all members, young and old. As part of our National Day celebration, the St. Patrick’s Society will hold their Annual Ball at the Shangri-La on Friday, March 13th.. Details at www.stpatssingapore.com

If you wish to develop a feature or interview some of the people involved in this unique event, please contact:

Ms. Róisín Mills
ed@irishbusinessassociation.com