OUR pick of the the best St Patrick's events happening in Birmingham this March.
March 9-15
Irish Archive Exhibition
With 2015’s St Patrick’s Festival theme being the contribution of the Irish to Birmingham, an exhibition of archived Irish photographs and accompanying stories will be open to the public at The Dome in The Custard Factory. Organised by Birmingham Irish Association, the archive will embody the theme of this year’s festival by tracking the Irish footprint in the city through photographs and memoirs.
Friday, March 13
Boxing Tournament
At the Pat Benson Boxing Academy. The Irish boxing club in Small Heath, hosts its annual tournament, the highlight of the club’s year, at the nearby Birmingham Irish Centre. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets £10 adults/£5 under 16s.
Sunday, March 15
St Patrick’s Festival Mass
At 10am at St Anne’s Church in Digbeth. The St Anne’s Catholic Primary School Choir will perform Irish songs, alongside performances from the Birmingham Slovak Community and Eritrean Culture and Music.
St Patrick’s Parade
The city’s 2015 parade, which is themed ‘The Irish Contribution to Birmingham’, will march through Digbeth between 12pm and 2pm, starting at Camp Hill with a confetti blast. Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums band will lead the parade, followed by the VIP bus which will host the Lord Mayor and Birmingham’s own St. Patrick, and an array of floats, dancers, flag bearers, and vintage tractors. Free event.
St Pat’s Rocks Stage
In addition to the parade, St Patrick’s Day activities in Digbeth will this year includethe St Pat’s Rocks Stage in Bradford Street as part of the Festival’s Emerald Village, which will showcase local bands playing the finest Irish music. The stage will run from 12.30pm — 5.30pm. Free event.
Emerald Village
The car park adjacent to the St Pat’s Rocks Stage will host further Emerald Village activities, including fairground rides and The Children’s Area — which will include face- painting, entertainment, bodhran and tin whistle workshops and much more. The area will be buzzing with activity, with market stalls offering something for everyone, from beautiful crafts to street food. Free event.
Tuesday, March 17
St Patrick’s Day Breakfast
The Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer Charity is hosting a St Patrick’s Day breakfast at the Utopia bar in Church Street. Kicking off at 8am, and including a welcome drink, traditional Irish breakfast and entertainment from musicians, traditional piper and the Jean Davis Academy, tickets cost £20. Contact the venue on 0121 2333666 for tickets. All proceeds go to the LFBC charity.
