ST Patrick's Day may be a week away, but events celebrating the life and legacy of Ireland's Patron Saint begin in Armagh and Down tomorrow.
This year's St Patrick's Festival includes 10 days of events showcasing the best of culture, music, song and dance.
It is billed as the biggest-ever festival of its kind in the UK and Ireland to celebrate St Patrick.
Among the events planned is the first airing of the In the Footsteps of St Patrick documentary in the St Patrick Visitor Centre in Downpatrick, which is part of the pilgrimage event on March 19.
There will also be a series of specially-planned events at the Navan Fort and Centre, the Armagh Observatory and Down Cathedral.
Key highlights of the festival programme include the carnival parades and processions in Newry, Downpatrick and Armagh on St Patrick's Day embracing the theme of 'Feasts and Wild Beasts'.
Music will play a key role throughout the festival, with the Ulster Orchestra, The Arco String Quartet, Duke Special and the former winner of The Voice, Andrea Begley among the acts scheduled to perform.
Terence Brannigan, chairman of Tourism NI, said: "Bound together by the importance and significance in the life of St Patrick, I’m delighted that the two councils have come together to develop this excellent joint project, where more than 100 events will bring the best of culture, music, song and dance and more to key locations right across Armagh and Down".
"Tourism Northern Ireland is squarely behind the vision of the event, which will see Northern Ireland recognised as the most authentic cultural destination in the world for celebrating St Patrick and exploring his legacy."
For further information on the events, please visit www.armagh.co.uk or www.saintpatrickscountry.com
