St. Patricks’ Festival

Posted on March 6, 2017 in Events

A “Viking Musical” will be among the highlights of this year’s St. Patrick‘s Festival to be held from March 9 to 11, 2017 at the Straits Quay Retail Marina and the E & O Hotel here.

The annual event which enters the fourth year is one of the major events in the Penang state tourism calendar.

Some 12 actors and actresses will perform at the musical which will trace the influence of the Vikings on Ireland. The Vikings founded the city of Dublin in Ireland.

“We are bringing in the group Joshua Tree, a U2 tribute band from Ireland, Irish dancers from Singapore and an Elvis impersonator for the occasion which is expected to draw several thousands guests.

“Some of the guests are from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Ireland, said organising chairman Maggie Territt who is the president of the Penang Irish Association (PIA).

Territt called on people from all walks to come and take part in the many activities lined-up during the festival, adding that Penang is among 63 countries in the world to celebrate St. Patrick‘s Festival.

“In Asia, other than Penang, Singapore also celebrates the festival while Hong Kong is the latest addition to start the festival from last year. Other major cities celebrating the festival are Sydney and New York.

On March 9, the first day of the festival, there will be an Elvis impersonator show at the Healy Mac’s from 9pm followed by a grand ball at the E & O Hotel the following day. The Irish ambassador to Malaysia Eamon Hickey will be the guest-of-honour.

March 11 will see a colourful parade, performances and the Viking musical. Other activities include children’s colouring contest, Viking hat craft workshop and “Best Float”.

Penang Tourism Development and Culture chairman Danny Law lauded the festival for celebrating the diversity of cultures and traditions in the city.

“We have a Thai Festival, the Japanese Bon Odori and the German Octoberfest being celebrated in the state.”

For details, log on to www.penang-irish-association.com.