Rules and Conditions of Entry 2024

St Patrick's Day Parade in Downpatrick and Newry, Sunday 17 March 2024.

The rules and conditions below are not intended to be exhaustive in that all Entrants must comply with such relevant laws and bye laws as may be in force. 

"NMDDC" means Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.   

"Parade" means the St Patrick's DayParades. 

"Float, Entrant or Entry" means all Persons, Vehicles, Machinery, Equipment, Animals etc. forming an entry for the Parade. 

1. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council reserves in its absolute discretion the right to reject at any stage an Entrant on such grounds as NMDDC shall see fit to consider without any obligation to disclose such grounds. In the event of refusal of an Entry for the Parade such Entry shall be deemed to have withdrawn. Political parties and Entries of a political nature will not be eligible to enter the Parade. Commercial companies will not be permitted to enter the parade. 

2. Entrants shall provide on request such information about their Entry as may be required by NMDDC for the purposes of the Parade organisation.  This includes the completion of the Parade Registration Form. 

3. In keeping with NMDDC’s policies, Entrants must not display flags, emblems, regalia etc.  that may be perceived as sectarian, sexist or racist. To do so risks making other Parade participants and spectators feel uncomfortable or excluded. 

4. Organisations/Entrants should have in place a relevant safeguarding policy (where relevant) which the Council may request sight of.  If the organisation/entrant does not have a relevant safeguarding policy, as a minimum requirement they must adhere to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s safeguarding policy and procedures when participating in the Cross Community Carnival Parades.    A copy of the Council’s safeguarding policy can be found using the following web address:  https://www.newrymournedown.org type in safeguarding in the search tab. 

5. The Parade attracts the support and participation of the two main community traditions in Northern Ireland.  In the interest of maintaining and enhancing good community relations, NMDDC does not permit any Entrant to - (a) carry, wear or display flags, symbols, emblems, banners or any other material, (b) play music or (c) behave in a manner - which may (i) be considered inappropriate at a cross-community event such as the Parade, (ii) give cause for concern or (iii) bring the Parade and the Council’s good name into disrepute. 

6. The instructions and directions of Parade Stewards must be adhered to at all times during the assembly, procession and dispersal of the Parade. 

7. NMDDC reserves the right to position Entrants in the Parade in such order as it sees fit. 

8. Entrants must conduct themselves in a proper, safe, and orderly manner during the assembly, procession and dispersal of the Parade. 

9. During the assembly, procession and dispersal of the Parade, Entrants (particularly those with vehicles) must maintain a safe distance between the entrant in front and the entrant behind them at all times. 

10. All displays must be safe.  Displays must be securely fastened to the Entry.  Decoration must not overhang the Entry.  The use of pyro-technics, replica guns, naked flames or any other equipment or displays which may give cause for concern are not permitted in the Parade.   

11.  All persons, and any animals, on an Entry must be kept within the width of the Entry and must not lean over the side. If using a trailer, flatbed truck etc., ensure that people, especially children and animals, who are standing on it are not near the edge. Please have a barrier (e.g. a rope along the edge of the vehicle) to prevent anyone falling off or to act as an aid should anyone fall. 

12.  Any animals forming part of an Entry must be kept secure and under control so as they are not a danger to Parade participants and spectators. 

13.  The maximum dimensions of Entries, which shall be allowed to enter the Parade, shall be: a) maximum length 50 feet b) maximum width 10 feet c) maximum height 10 feet (above the height of the trailer flatbed) 

14.  All vehicles, machinery, and any generators being used for sound or light on an Entry, must be safe and must be filled with fuel (e.g. petrol, diesel etc.) in advance of the assembly of the Parade. 

15.  No Entry which may cause damage to the road or any other property will be permitted to enter the Parade. 

16.  Entrants shall be responsible for any towing charges or repair charges arising from the breakdown of or accident to an Entry. 

17. VERY IMPORTANT - All Entrants and all owners of vehicles provided for use by Entrants must advise their motor insurers of their intention to take part in the Parade. Entrants must obtain written confirmation from the motor insurers that at least the minimum insurance required by the Road Traffic Acts is in force for the vehicle being used for the Entry.  Adequate provision for third party liability must be obtained and Entrants must provide the Council with written confirmation from the motor insurers that such indemnity is in force.  

All organisations and groups wishing to participate in the Parade must – send a copy of your current relevant public liability insurance (min £2,000,000).  

Copies of insurance(s) must be emailed to visitorservices@nmandd.org by Friday 16 February 2024 at 4pm. 

18. NMDDC shall not be liable for any loss of or damage to an Entry, any part or equipment of an Entry or the property of any persons on or forming an Entry at any time during the Parade, assembly or dispersal however caused.  Subject to its statutory obligations NMDDC shall not be liable for any loss or damage or injury to persons, property or third parties, however caused.  The Entrant shall indemnify NMDDC against all actions, claims, demands, costs, expenses, and liabilities of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising in connection with the Entry at any time during the Parade, assembly or dispersal thereof.  

19.  Entrants are not allowed to carry, display, consume or be under the influence of alcohol and or drugs at any time during the assembly, procession or dispersal of the Parade. 

20.  Entrants agree to photography and/or video footage of their participants being used by NMDDC for Tourism promotions/marketing where appropriate. 

21.  No collection of money or goods, or sale of goods shall be made from an Entry or by the Entrant or by his servants for charity or otherwise during the assembly, procession or dispersal of the Parade. 

22.  Entrants are not allowed to throw anything at spectators or other Parade participants at any time during the assembly, procession and dispersal of the Parade. 

23.  NMDDC shall not be liable for any loss or claim other than fees paid in the event of cancellation of the Parade for whatever cause. 

24.  All Entrants accept that the decision of NMDDC on any of the above rules and conditions shall be final.  Any variation of the above rules must have written consent of NMDDC.