The Foundation Developments Limited Saint Patrick's Parade 2004 was the centrepiece for an unique programme of Irish activities to mark Saint Patrick's celebrations in Crawley and the southeast of England held 12-14 March 2004.

The FDL Saint Patrick's Parade took place on Sunday 14 March as a prelude to the feast day itself, three days later. It was the first Saint Patrick's parade to take place in Crawley.... ever! The event would not have been possible without the support of Foundation Developments Limited and Crawley Borough Council.

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Over 300 people actively took part in the parade, despite the heavy downpour that marked celebrations throughout Britain. An estimated 2,000 people viewed the parade as it criss-crossed Crawley's streets, starting and finishing at Crawley Rail Station. Despite heavy rain, participants were energetic and engaging: anxious to be part of an historic occasion.

Irish born, Mayor of Crawley Councillor Brian Quinn, led the FDL Saint Patrick's Parade ahead of the New Ross and District Pipe Band - a critically acclaimed group who have showcased their talent throughout the world. Indeed, the County Wexford pipe band was headed by World Mace Throwing Champion, Roger Elvin - a testament to the quality and commitment of the band.

Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day:

The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society always wanted the Saint Patrick celebrations to represent the culture of the Irish in a multicultural community. At the same time, it was an inclusive event so that everyone was able to get involved on the day and emulate the success of celebrations throughout the world.

The New York parade attracts more attendees and participants than the entire population of Ireland and is supported by New Yorkers whose heritage is not Irish. Crawley is a vibrant area and welcomed participation from the community. Flag bearers carrying national flags from across the globe were just a sample of this participation.

Marchers from Saint Wilfred's School, Mullins' School of Irish Dance and Brooklands Dance represented many of the UK-born Irish in the area. In addition, London branches of ONET (the UN ex-servicemen) and Irish Counties; Antrim, Wexford, Mayo, Carlow, Tipperary and Dublin, were each represented - to name but a few.

Binding Communities

The parade concluded with a presentation of the Crawley Borough Crest to the New Ross and District Pipe Band, and the people of County Wexford in Ireland's southeast.

Crawley Mayor, Brian Quinn, presented the crest to Brian McMahon of the Pipe Band at the commencement of the Celtic Experience open-air concert following a final introductory musical set. In turn, Brian McMahon presented the Mayor with a Celtic time-piece to symbolise the occasion.

The Irish-born Mayor of Crawley took the opportunity to welcome the extension of community celebrations into March and honoured the effort and enthusiasm of the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society and its committee. In addition, the Mayor paid a special tribute to participants who had braved the weather to make the Foundation Developments Limited Saint Patrick's Parade a success.