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It's big, it's green and it's rolling into town this month to celebrate all things Irish. Andrew Watson picks the highlights of the 12th Manchester Irish Festival.
First launched in 1996 by the then president of Ireland Mary Robinson, the annual Manchester Irish Festival has grown into one of the biggest in Europe. Last year, the festivities were launched by Michael 'Lord of the Dance' Flatley and comedian Brendan O'Carroll. They joined a long list of celebrities who have supported the festival over the years, including Shane McGowan, Peter Kay, Van Morrison, The Corrs and Westlife.
The 12th Manchester Irish Festival will run from March 3 to 18 this year, with events taking place at venues across the city. Here are some of the highlights:
March 3: The launch party
A host of Manchester VIPs and celebrities from the Irish community will join theLord Mayor of Manchester in opening the festival at the town hall. This is an invitation-only affair and top entertainment is guaranteed to the lucky guests, including a ceili in the main hall.
March 5 & 12: BBC Radio Manchester
Tune in to 95.1FM or 104.6FM and join Evelyn Grealy and the rest of the Citizen Manchester Irish team for two 90-minute Irish specials. The shows run from 6:30pm until 8pm on March 5 and 12, with the best in Irish music, interviews and chat.
March 6 - 10: The Seafarer
Conor McPherson (The Weir, Shining City) makes his National Theatre debut with a powerful tale set in his native Dublin. It's Christmas Eve and Sharky gathers with friends at the dingy flat he shares with his irritable, ageing brother, to drink and play cards. But when a familiar-looking stranger turns up to remind Sharky of a bargain he made a long time ago, he suddenly finds himself playing for his very soul. The Seafarer is on at The Lowry and tickets cost £16 - £22. To book call 0870 787 5793.
March 9 - 11: Irish Market
Albert Square will once again play host to the hugely popular Irish Market, bringing a taste of Ireland to the heart of Manchester. The market will turn the square into a buzzing hub of activity centring around the specially created O'Sheas beer tent. Here you will find some of the best wares from across the Irish Sea, including arts and crafts, gifts and a large selection of speciality Irish food and drink.
March 11: The Parade
Always a crowd pleaser, the parade will start at the Irish World Heritage Centre on Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, and make its way into the city centre, passing Manchester's major landmarks on the way. This year, the mile-long procession will feature more than 40 floats created by Irish associations from across the North West.
March 15: YGG Unsigned
The annual battle of the bands is on again, offering unsigned bands with Irish roots the chance to fight it out on stage for a shot at fame and riches. The final takes place at the Pack Horse on Stockport Road, Levenshulme. Admission is £5 at the door or £4 if you book on 0161 257 2484.
March 16 & 17: Westlife
Irish boyband Westlife returns to the M.E.N. Arena for a staggering 23rd show. Shane, Mark, Kian and Nicky will perform tracks from their new album 'The Love Album'. Tickets cost £29.50. To book call 0870 190 8000.
March 17: Martin Toal
Join Irish tenor Martin Toal, singer\songwriter Redd, Irish dancer Pierce O'Connor and the Keegan Kennedy School of Irish Dancing for a free concert at The Trafford Centre. Compered by BBC Radio Manchester's Evelyn Grealy, the event runs from 12 noon until 3.30pm and promises to start your St Patrick's Day off with a swing.
March 17: St Pat's Party
The Manchester Academy hosts an evening of classic Irish power pop anthems from The Undertones. Expect all the hits, including Jimmy Jimmy, My Perfect Cousin, Here Comes The Summer and Teenage Kicks. Joining The Undertones will be BBC Radio 2's Mark Radcliffe and The Family Mahone, with their lively Irish folk-based drinking songs. U2 tribute Achtung Baby will complete the evening's line-up. The party kicks off at 7pm. Tickets cost £16 and you can book by calling the box office on 0161 832 1111.
March 18: Moya Brennan
The first lady of Celtic music is performing at The Lowry. Best known as the lead singer of the renowned Irish band Clannad, Brennan has a voice that captures the essence of her homeland. Her music has graced international film soundtracks including The Last of the Mohicans and King Arthur. Tickets cost £17.50 and you can book by calling The Lowry on 0870 787 5793. For further information on the Manchester Irish Festival visit www.goingirish.com.