The popular St Patrick’s Day Parade returned to the streets of Bristol on Sunday (March 17th), featuring a brilliantly vibrant and colourful display of Irish culture, supported by the B&A Group.
The 20th anniversary parade – organised by the Bristol Irish Society members- included dancing and music from the City of Bristol Pipes and Drums and the Bristol Samba band, cheered on by those who walked the route waving flags and banners.
Taking pride of place in the procession were vehicles from the B&A Group, covered in Irish flags and bunting. Five vehicles were entered including a Scania XT from our brand new fleet and four vintage trucks dating between 1960 and 1978 – two of which are dedicated to our founder, James Berkely.
The parade was led by ‘St Patrick’ on a tractor and featured Mayor Cleo Lake, Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy, Bristol South MP Karin Smyth and local businesses including McCarthy Marland, PMG and B&A Group. Supporters included former five time world boxing champion, Jane Couch MBE.
Clare Raby, marketing and media manager at B&A Group, said: “The atmosphere was colourful, noisy and fun, and there was a great community spirit.”
“We would like to thank Bristol’s Irish Society, Amelia Dunford, Malcolm McDonald, Jane Couch MBE and all those who worked so hard throughout the year organising Sunday’s wonderful parade.”
“We would also like to thank all at Bristol and Avon who worked extremely hard to make our contribution to the day a success. We very much look forward to 2020.”
