Springtime comes to Savannah, Georgia

The historic city of Savannah is gearing up to host the two biggest events in its spring calendar: the St Patrick's Day Parade and the annual Savannah Music Festival.  Both offer visitors in March an unforgettable experience and a warm welcome in one of the U.S.A.'s most beautiful cities.

St Patrick's Day Parade

Savannah's St. Patrick's Day parade is the second largest in the United States after New York City's.  On 16 March the colourful procession of around 350 units and 15,000 people will wind its way through the city's famous tree-lined streets watched by hundreds of thousands of revellers. This year marks Savannah's 189th St Patrick's Day celebration. The parade starts at 10.15am and lasts around three hours. When the parade ends, the Irish spirit doesn't stop. There's a bustling street festival along atmospheric River Street where Irish, Country and Rock musicians provide nonstop alfresco entertainment for the thousands of party-goers that flock here until late. Meanwhile, the Savannah City Market offers plenty of dining options, entertainment and fun for all the family.

During the two weeks before St Patrick's Day various events are held to celebrate the city's rich Celtic heritage with music, dance and religious and cultural activities.  Highlights for visitors include the annual Greening of the Fountain in Forsyth Park, which spouts its emerald waters throughout the festivities, and the Tara Feis Irish celebration.

Savannah Music Festival

The Savannah

Music Festival is the largest of its kind in Georgia and is renowned worldwide for bringing together local and international musicians to celebrate music of every genre.  It runs over 18 consecutive days from 20 March to 6 April.  The programme offers an eclectic fusion for all music lovers and features acts playing country, bluegrass and folk, jazz and blues and classical, to pop, funk and rock and roll - with everything in between. Showcasing musical talent from the Peach State, the Deep South and around the world, the festival also premieres various original and especially-commissioned works.  Visitors to the Music Festival can immerse themselves in the daily diversity of musical talent, combined with the excitement of discovering new acts, during a unique event that has become integral to Savannah's arts heritage.

Performances are held at various venues throughout Savannah, such as the leafy open air pavilion at the Ships of the Sea North Garden and the historic Christ Church Episcopal, which was founded in 1733.

Getting there:

Savannah is an easy four-hour drive from both Atlanta and Orlando airports, making Savannah the ideal destination to combine with a trip to Florida.

For more information, visit georgiatourismusa.co.uk.