Celebrate World Book Night with Rastamouse - Brent Council

Brent celebrates
St Patrick’s Day
Brent St Patrick’s Day
returns to the borough
on Thursday 17 March,
featuring a parade and
Irish entertainment.
Words SHARON DONOVAN
March 17 marks the date when Saint
Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland died in
451 AD. Born in Wales in 385 AD Saint
Patrick is noted for bringing Catholicism to
Ireland and is perhaps most famous for
banishing snakes from Ireland.
The day has evolved over the years and
for many it’s now a celebration of Irish
culture. People often mark the occasion by
wearing an item of green clothing, sporting
shamrocks, and enjoying Irish entertainment.
It is arguably one of the most celebrated
occasions across the world, despite the
Republic of Ireland’s relatively small
population of 4.5 million people. However,
over 80m people worldwide are reported
to be Irish descendants, with the majority
residing in America.
This year Brent Council will be the only
borough to host celebrations on the actual
day, March 17, rather than the closest
weekend. A parade will leave Willesden
Green Underground Station at 4pm
featuring pipers, colourful floats and
costumed dancers.
It will end at Willesden Green Library
Centre where there will be a feast of Irish
entertainment including folk music, Irish
dancing and lots of activities for children,
as well as a St Patrick’s Day market selling
Irish food and gifts.
New to the line up this year will be
country singer Nathan Carter who won
‘Best Male Newcomer’ in the Irish World
Awards 2008 and folk singer Fil Campbell.
Photographer Louise Jefferson will also
be on hand to present her book ‘Wall and
Barriers – symbol of separation’. The book,
featuring a selection of startling images
from the streets of Belfast, is married with
insights and reflections from citizens,
police, politicians and charities.
The event is open to all sections of
the community.
To find out more and to download a
programme visit www.brent.gov.uk/
stpatricks or call 020 8937 1108.
MARCH 2011 THE BRENT MAGAZINE
11