LUTON Irish Forum is inviting all communities to celebrate Irish culture this week during the town’s annual St Patrick’s Festival.
Now in its 16th year, this year’s festivities take place from Friday, March 13 to Tuesday, March 17 showcasing the very best of Irish music, song, dance and drama from both sides of the Irish Sea.
The Festival launches on Friday at 7.30pm with a traditional Gaelic Mass featuring the highly acclaimed Luton Irish Forum Choir at St Joseph’s Church, Gardenia Avenue, followed by a dance at St Joseph’s Parish Centre with entertainment from Jim O’Leary, DJ Jim Carway and the Brooks Academy of Irish Dancing.
Then on Saturday at 7.30pm the UK Centre for Carnival Arts will host a production of the hilarious comedy The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley, written by Westmeath’s Jim Keary.
This year’s annual parade takes place on Sunday after a Gaelic Mass at 9.30am at Our Lady Help for Christians Parish Church.
From 11am the parade will follow its traditional route from Manor Road though the town centre led by Luton Irish Forum Emerald Pipe Band.
Participants include an under 13s GAA team visiting from Co. Armagh, Cardinal Newman High School, St Matthews Primary School, the University of Bedfordshire and Harpenden Pipebands, the Merrydowner Morris Men and more.
There will be prizes for the best parade entries, sponsored by London Luton Airport.
The festival continues throughout the afternoon with Jim Carway from Diverse FM’s Luton Irish Live hosting the Market Hill stage. From 10.30am traditional ceilidh band Wraggle Taggle will warm up the crowd as the parade makes it way to Market Hill.
There will be music from the Luton Irish Forum Emerald Pipe Band as well as festival headliners the Fureys and more.
On Sunday 15 and Tuesday 17 there will also be an indoor stage at Smiths Square in The Mall from 11am until 3.30pm with music, song and dance including the Conway Lally School of Irish Dancing and Leagrave Comhaltas.
On Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 the Spacious House, Welcoming Friends exhibition and performance takes place in Wardown Mueum, exploring the themes of emigration and identity.
The exhibition has been organised in partnership with Cardinal Newman High School and Luton Culture with the support of theatre company Complicite.
For tickets contact Luton Irish Forum on 01582 720 447 or click here
