CANCELLED: Derry's 10,001 Leprechauns World Record bid

Boys and girls in green- lcal people are expected to turn out in their Leprechaun costumes for the challenge.

The original plans were unveiled in a report brought before Derry City & Strabane District Council’s Business & Culture Committee yesterday evening (Tuesday).

The council has now confirmed that it has since become aware that the event, which was proposed in order to raise money for the Foyle Hospice, is now not proceeding. The Foyle Hopsice has also confirmed this.

However news of the world record bid plan has sparked major interest locally and further afield since details of the were released.

It is not known at this stage whether any other local group is considering stepping forward to take up the challenge.

Carlingford in County Louth is planning to try for the same World Record the following month on April 17 while staging the National Leprechaun Hunt.

The report brought before the council committee on the forthcoming St Patrick’s Day celebrations yesterday had stated: “10,000 Leprechauns - in partnership with the Foyle Hospice. We aim to support this initiative which will greatly enhance the carnival parade and atmosphere throughout the city in keeping with the festival theme.

“It is anticipated that this record breaking attempt (much like the Santas) will follow on and become part of the carnival parade and will provide great spectacle and encourage participation in the festival

from far and wide.”

Despite the cancellation, the council’s Festival and Events team are pressing ahead with plans to expand the St Patrick’s Day Festival offering into the weekend this year.

The theme for the St Patrick’s celebrations in 2016 will be ‘Land of the Little People’.

The annual Carnival Parade taking place in the afternoon of March 17 will feature over 500 participants from throughout the city’s neighbourhoods.

Other highlights from this year’s events will include ‘Laughs for Little People’, a programme of shows, film and arts activity for children and young people in partnership with Visitor Services taking place in the Guildhall and Tower Museum, and ‘Little Folk Live on the Square’ - a live music event taking place in the Festival Marquee (which will be in place for Legenderry Food Festival).

There will also be walkabout street entertainers, oversized props and street furniture in keeping with the theme will bring atmosphere and interaction to audiences.

Around £70,000 has been allocated for the festivities.