Singapore River to turn green for annual St Patrick's Day celebrations in March

SINGAPORE - The annual St Patrick's Day celebrations, which will take place on March 14 to 16, will see the Singapore River turning into a sea of green and adorned with shamrocks and all things Irish.

To top it off, the Harley Davidson Group will be providing a three-bike convoy to lead the parade held on the final day of the three-day event.

St Patrick's Day, which falls on the Mar 17, commemorates the life of the patron saint of Ireland and is also Ireland's National Day.

Organisers Singapore River One (SRO) said that this year's event will promise to celebrate the close historical and cultural, educational and community ties between the Republic of Ireland and Singapore.

The event will once again be graced by the Ambassador of Ireland to Singapore, Mr Joe Hayes. The guest of honour will be Irish Government Minister of State for Trade and Development, Mr Joe Costello, who is visiting Singapore for the occasion of St Patrick's Day.

Parade chairman, Colin MacDonald said: "Over the years, the St Patrick's Day Festival has grown to include the Irish, Singaporeans, other expatriates and even tourists. We hope even more people will get some green on and come experience what Ireland has to offer!"

The Singapore's St Patrick's Day event is the largest celebration in Southeast Asia, said the organisers, and visitors can expect to see all things Irish, including traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance and street performers.

The parade will be held on Mar 16, Sunday. Participants will be asked to assemble outside the Asian Civilization Museum (near the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles) at 2.30pm. The parade march will commence at 3.30pm, come rain or shine.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg