HOLYHEAD'S St David’s Day celebrations are getting bigger.

This year events start with a community concert on Thursday, February 21, and end with a parade including participants from Ireland.

The community concert is at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, at 6pm.

Tickets on the door are £1 and there are performances by schools, the Magee Brothers and Holyhead Male Voice Choir.

The St David’s Day Parade starts at 10 am from St Mary’s Church.

Pupils form nine schools will join in song. Led by a Samba band they will move on to sing by the Pod and St Cybi before joining in with the Holyhead Male Voice Choir to sing the anthem, ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, on the Green at Newry.

Chair of Holyhead St David’s Celebrations organizing committee Alun Roberts said: “Holyhead is sending a strong message of hope, emphasizing the strength of community bonds and our pride in a unique culture which we want to share with the world."

The concert is a chance for the community to enjoy a Welsh musical get-together and celebrate the talent of our young people as well as enjoy the quality of experienced musicians who are kindly contributing their time to this event.

"The Parade will involve over 600 pupils as well as families, businesses, and local residents but in addition will this year attract visitors from Ireland.”

Councillor Alan Williams said: “We’re glad to hear some of the representatives from Holyhead’s twin town, Greystones, in Co. Wicklow, will join us on the Parade.

"We look forward to extending them a warm Welsh welcome. Our friendship with Ireland extends back over the years and it’s important to keep our links strong.”

As part of the organizing committee, Menter Iaith Mon’s Nia Thomas said: “It’s fabulous what Holyhead has pulled together this year to celebrate St David. The concert is a lovely intergenerational event providing an opportunity to enjoy popular Welsh songs at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi.

"As for the Parade, the Irish are well-known for their St Patrick’s Day celebrations, so it’s a big compliment to Holyhead’s St David’s Day Parade that it’s now attracting Irish visitors a ferry-hop away.

"This is a great way ahead for Wales as we welcome people from all over the globe to share our unique language and culture through music and festivals.

"Nothing will dampen the spirits at Holyhead as they put out a strong statement, Brexit or no Brexit, friends will be friends and especially the Welsh community of Holyhead with their Irish cousins in Ireland.”