Sunday 20th March 2005 - Saint Patricks Parade

On Sunday 20 March 2005, Crawley was the venue for its second annual Saint Patrick's Parade. Participants from throughout the southeast of England converged at its Rail Station to begin a prearranged route around the town ending in the High Street.

Leading the parade were Audrey and Georgina from Balcombe Ridings followed by Saint Patrick aboard his 'saint mobile'. Dignitaries from the area were also prominent with the Mayor of Crawley, Jim Smith, and Mayor of Horley, Mike Miller, as well local councillors from surrounding boroughs also in attendance.

Amongst the groups that participated with music were the Dartford and District Pipe Band, locally based TS Glorious Marching Band and the Gatwick Caledonian Pipe Band. These bands created a fantastic atmosphere for the parade to wind through the town.

Participants from throughout the community came out to support the event including Polish Bikers raising that Nations flag. The O'Brien School, who danced for Saturday's benefit at the Railway Club, put out an impressive float with Saint Patrick included and the Sussex Borders Motor Club provided additional classic vehicles for the parade. At the same time, West Sussex and New York fire-fighters marched side by side.

Following the Parade, the Broad Walk hosted dance displays from the Mullins School of Irish Dancing as well as Pipe Bands putting on a show. The Mullins School also danced in the Irish-ran "White Hart" on the High Street. Their well decorated float is pictured right.

The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society would like to thank everyone who participated in the events over the weekend and especially Sussex Police and Crawley Borough Council. Without the support of the local community such events would not be possible.

Parade Photos

Buy or download photos of the 2005 Crawley Saint Patrick's Parade at Ofoto, a Kodak Company. From the Ofoto site you can order prints of photographs from just 19p.