Manchester Irish Weekender planned across the city

A weekend of Irish-themed revelry is being planned for the city to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The free event will see the boardwalk area of Piccadilly Gardens transformed with food and drink stalls and live music.

It all happens from St Patrick’s Day on March 17 through the weekend to March 20. Pipe bands, Irish dancing and Irish folk musicians will be taking to a stage in the gardens, running each day from 12pm to 7pm.

There will also be stalls selling stouts, Irish coffees and hot toddies.

Councillor Pat Karney, city centre lead for Manchester City Council, said: "We all know that if you can't be in the Emerald Isle itself then Manchester is the next best place to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

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“We also know that one day alone isn't nearly long enough to celebrate all that's great about Ireland and its unique cultural heritage of music and dance - which is why we've put together the weekender event to share the love over four days and give everyone a chance to enjoy the craic.

"It's brilliant to see so many people already coming back into the city centre to enjoy what it has to offer, and the Manchester Irish Weekender gives another good reason to come into town.

“It's going to be fantastic, so find a shamrock, wear something green, and come on down!

It’s among a host of events happening in the city to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland.

The Irish World Heritage Centre will be holding a parade from its HQ in Cheetham Hill on March 13, featuring floats and marching bands, beginning at 12 noon, though it won’t be the usual march culminating at Albert Square, due to the continuing refurbishment of the town hall.

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