With the countdown to the bank holiday weekend truly upon us, volunteer organisers, Project St Patrick have revealed some additional details on what to expect in our county town, 16- 17th March.

Growing on the success of last year, there are lots of exciting new additions to give the weekend more of a festival feel including special offers befitting of a saint by our local supporting businesses.

The fringe fun starts on Saturday, St Patrick’s eve throughout the town and even across the water on Castle Island which plays host to Folklore Story Telling Sessions as well as the opportunity for kids to take part in a colouring station courtesy of the Kindness Postbox. Viking walking tours delves amongst the town’s streets leading us up to the illuminated flotilla, taking place once night falls.

Only in its second year, this spectacle in conjunction with Inland Waterways Ireland Association has hooked in lots more boats to light up our lough surely brighter. There will be food and drink vendors at the Broadmeadow and even a live band to entertain and help make a proper evening of it.

Back to Castle Island on Sunday 17, you’ll have the opportunity to try out Paddy Paddles Water Tasters as well as a bit of axe throwing, thrown in. If that’s not your thing you can still catch a boat across to check out the craft fayre or perhaps use this unique vantage point to view our signature leprechauns thrill atop the River Erne.

Keep an eye out for Erne Water Taxi’s annual competition on facebook and you could be treated to a VIP boat trip and journey around our Ireland's only island town.

The Fun Day starting from 1.30pm promises even more free treats, giveaways and activities on the Broadmeadow; all your expected favourites plus some very unique additions to ensure less queuing and more focus on fun for your family day out.

The man himself will again arrive in distinctive style and will be on hand for selfies alongside several Irish wolfhounds and many more, modern walkabouts.

Also from 1.30pm, the Diamond will stage Highland and Irish Dancing sets including a very special performance once fit for a King, now a Saint. Further warming up the thousands of expected spectators will be our favorite folkabilly kings, the Hand Me Downs.

The “Folklore in ‘24” themed parade starts at 3.30pm attracting even more entries than last year; an eclectic mix of traditional and carnival style floats, bands and walking entries - we promise a vibrancy of colour and music like never before. Alternatively, if you or a family member require a ‘Quiet Space’, please get in touch with the organising committee as soon as possible as places are limited.

The success of 2023 was down to every single person who came out on the day, you created that special Enniskillen energy. So naturally we’ve been working hard all year to make sure that together we can top that amazing atmosphere and make ‘Folklore in 24’ really roar.

Both days start with a folklore themed park run from the forum and you may view the entries to our Colouring In Competition in the Legion Hall.

Full details of the weekends events printed in next week’s paper and further information at www.projectstpatrick.com and @ProjectStPatrick facebook.

Please note, there will be no parking at all in the Forum to facilitate dressing floats and the area will be secured from early morning for H&S reasons.

This event is sponsored by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council supported by DFC and thanks to the generosity of Enniskillen Bid and local businesses.