St Patrick’s Festival and Dublin City Council are delighted to announce the introduction of a Relaxed Parade Space for the first time at this year’s national St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday March 17th! The Relaxed Parade Space, sponsored by @dublincitycouncil and supported by the @lordmayorofdublin , with additional support from @bankofireland , aims to create the space which will be designed to support the needs of neurodivergent families and individuals, and those with sensory processing differences.
Located at Bank of Ireland College Green, with access points at either end, the Relaxed Parade Space will offer attendees a safe space, away from the crowded streets from which to view and enjoy the parade. There will be extra space to allow freedom of movement to those who need it, additional seating, sensory areas and entertainment before the Parade, as well as different anticipated volume zones within the Relaxed Space for those who want to experience the parade at low, medium or full volume.
Additionally, the festival is partnering with @asiamireland , Ireland’s national autism charity, and @neurodiversityireland, an organisation helping to make our communities places where neurodivergent people feel seen, supported and included, to provide as much advance information to make the day as accessible as possible for all. A visual guide to communicate the journey and experience will be available to help families in planning and preparing for their day. Festival staff are working with consultants around best practices in making sure that attendees at the Relaxed Parade Space have the information and support that they will need onsite throughout the day, along with visual guides to further assist families who may need them.
Families who wish to avail of the Relaxed Parade Space are asked to register their interest through the link in bio or to email info@stpatricksfestival.ie. More details, including specifics around what to expect in the space on the day, will be announced in the coming weeks.
