IRISH people living in London since the 1950s are being invited to share their stories and experience of St Patrick’s Day as part of a unique project.
At this year’s festival in the capital the Irish in Britain organisation will be at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 16 March collecting memories and stories of the event.
“We are looking for all sorts of stories to build a rich tapestry of experiences for our Irish Voices Project, which spans the decades from the 1950s to the present day,” said Irish in Britain CEO Jennie McShannon.
“You may have played a unique role in the development of the parade or simply remember a fantastic day out. It’s your chance to have a voice in the recording of our community’s history.”
Irish in Britain is hoping the project will help add many more stories to the Irish Voices project, which will is being shared with the whole community.
Picture: Brent Archive, Paddy Fahy Collection“We want to hear as many different stories and experiences of London St. Patrick’s Day as possible,” Ms McShannon added.
The project also includes the Irish Voices Exhibition, which features the living memories of those who have walked, supported and celebrated the London St Patrick’s Day Parade over the years.
Currently running at City Hall, it shows the history of the parade through the voices of the community - from jovial tales of walking alongside John Lennon in cowboy boots that proved too tight to disarming accounts of paraders outnumbered by police 10-to-one.
The Irish Voices exhibition presents stories, photographs and artwork by young people who have been inspired by the stories of older Irish people about the parade.
It can be seen throughout the St Patrick’s Day festivities until March 21, Monday to Friday, at City Hall, Lower Ground Floor Exhibition, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA.
