FOR the first time this St Patrick’s weekend, Birmingham will create its own Emerald Village – a free event taking place across all venues of the city’s iconic Custard Factory.
Organisers of Emerald Village are keen to celebrate the modern face of Birmingham, with influences from Ireland at the forefront.
Kieran McInerney, event director and owner of The Old Crown pub is a huge champion of culture and arts in Birmingham.
He explained the inspiration behind the event. “I’ve been coming to the parade for the past 10 years and know that a lot of Birmingham’s history is built on immigration, making it a melting pot of cultures. Being of Irish decent I want to mark St Patrick’s Day, but also offer a taste of what Birmingham has to offer.”
McInerney, whose parents come from Galway, has always been proud of his large Irish family. His mission is to make the festival about much more than just drinking so this year they are taking over the custard factory complex and offering a diverse and fun range of events that will appeal to all ages.
For starters, there will be a Live stage, curated by the Moseley Folk and Jazz festival, BBC Introducing will be broadcasting live and plenty of buskers will be out on the streets of course.
For kids there is footballing with Footie Bugs, award winning children’s creative classes from Creation Station, zombie adventures with Zombie Earth UK and Sutton Vintage and Arts Fair. The village will have an alcohol free zone with indoor market (you never know!) and a Tea Room situated in Birmingham’s first ever library for those who need a break from the hustle and bustle.
Sunday March 16
The Emerald Village at The Custard Factory, Digbeth, from 2 - 6pm. The Emerald Village is a completely free event but charitable donations are welcome.
For more information about Emerald Village line up see www.theemeraldvillage.co.uk
