THE Luton Irish Forum (LIF) is marking Lá Fhéile Bríde 2021 by hosting its fifth annual event celebrating Ireland’s patron saint entirely online.
Their usual afternoon tea event runs from 12pm – 1.30pm on Saturday, January 30 - and everyone is invited.
The free entertainment kicks off with a welcome from Irish Ambassador to Britain, Adrian O’Neill, followed by sets by a range of popular Irish comedians.
“There will also be plenty of chat and time to catch up with friends online,” the LIF confirms.
Volunteers at the Luton Irish Forum's St Brigid's Day event in 2020Elleesa Rushby, LIF Trustee and Steering Group member, explained: “Right now, we need laughter and connection with our friends and community, more than ever.
“We’ve had great fun compiling the footage and hope that everyone who attends online will feel lifted.”
She added: “St Brigid’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and celebrate diverse and talented Irish female comedians.”
Members of the Luton Irish Forum enjoying their St Brigid's Day celebrations in 2020 (Pic: A Warchol)St Brigid is one of Ireland's patron saints, along with Patrick and Columba.
Born in Dundalk in 450 AD, she was the founder of the first monastery in county Kildare, Ireland.
Her father was a pagan chieftain of Leinster and her mother was a Christian.
St Patrick inspired her to deepen her faith and spread the word of God.
St Brigid’s feast day falls on February 1, which was originally a pagan festival called Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring.
After a long dark winter, St Brigid’s Day celebrates the arrival of longer, warmer days and the early signs of spring.
In the pagan tradition, this day also celebrates Brigid’s divine femininity.
Enjoying the celebrations in 2020 - for 2021 year all the fun moves onlineThe LIF are inviting everyone to join them for their St Brigid’s Day fun, which comes with an optional Irish Afternoon Tea at £10 per person, for those living locally.
These specially made teas, from Jack Berr Caterers, with produce sourced locally from Gerry Taylor Irish Butcher, will be delivered to Luton addresses or can be collected from a local address by arrangement on event day.
A souvenir e-booklet of St Brigid's Day 2021 will also be available after the event.
You can book your place for LIF’s free event here.
If you can't join the live celebrations, DVD recordings of the event can be requested from LIF via [email protected] or by calling 01582 720 447.
