1. Brother Walfrid Evening
Where: Coatbridge
When: Friday, March 18
One for: Soccer fans
Coatbridge will celebrate the life of Sligo-born Brother Walfrid, the founding father of Celtic FC – once memorably called a GAA club that plays soccer. The evening includes a short lecture about the life and significance to Glasgow Celtic of Brother Walfrid, a film premiere and an exhibition of the remarkable Peter Howson painting portraying Walfird amidst his impoverished flock.
Time: 7pm
Admission: £2
Venue: Columba Club, 8 St John Street, Coatbridge, ML5 3EJ
Tel: 01236421282
www.stpatricksdayfestival.co.uk
www.wegottickets.com
2. St Patrick Goes to the Punjab – Shamrocks and Saris
Where: Coventry
When: Saturday, March 19
One for: Those who love Irish dancing... with a twist
A cross-cultural night hosted by the Coventry Irish Association at the Albany Theatre. The concert features Joe O’Donnell’s Shkayla, and Fine Lines World Music Ensemble – an Indo-Spanish trio featuring Flamenco guitar, funky jazz and Indian tablas. Irish dancing will come from the McHugh Irish Dancing School, while Sabrina will present a variety of styles of dance including Kathak, semi-classical, Bhangra and Bollywood.
Time: 7.30pm
Admission: £12, concession £10
Venue: Albany Theatre, 53 The Butts, Coventry, CV1 3BH
Tel: 02476 998 964
www.albanytheatre.co.uk
www.coventryirishsociety.co.uk
3. St Patrick’s Dinner Recreating Poitín
Where: London
When: Monday, March 14
One for: those seeking something authentically Irish
Poitín maker Dave Mulligan will celebrate St Patrick’s Day with poitín-infused menu, showing off the unique flavours of the cratur. Throughout the evening Dave will guide guests on a journey through the flavours of this sometimes forgotten spirit.
Cost: prices range between £20-£70
Venue: Bourne & Hollingsworth, 42 Northampton Road, London, EC1R 0HU
Tel: 02031741156
The Churchill Arms in Kensington is preparing for its St Patrick's Day party (Photo: Twitter)4. The Elmore Jam St Patrick’s Celebration in music and food
Where: London
When: Thursday, March 17
One for: Foodies
Pop-up restaurant The Elmore Jam presents a night of Irish flavours and music. Irish chef Una Donohoe will be providing a four course meal using Irish ingredients for a St Patrick’s Day special edition of The Elmore Jam. She will be joined by traditional Irish band Beannacht La Fheile Padraig.
Admission: £35
Venue: Secret London location
www.grubclub.com/the-elmore-jam
5. The Churchill Arms St Patrick’s Day Party and Auction
Where: London
When: Thursday, March 17
One for: Celeb spotters
Recent star of BBC’s Gardener’s Question Time – perhaps the only Irish pub ever to be featured on a gardening programme - the Churchill Arms will be sprucing up it’s incredible floral exhibition, and adding in a ton of shamrocks as well, 500 green balloons, and more shillelaghs than you could shake a stick at. As well as plenty of botany and balloons, landlord Gerry promises traditional music from 3pm.
Many of the musicians are pupils and friends of the Brendan Mulhere School. In the evening an auction and raffle will be held for The Wooden Spoon Charity. Several rugby balls will be on offer, as well as signed international rugby shirts. It’s fully expected that some A-list international rugby celebrities will be on hand to help with proceedings.
Time: music 3-7pm; auction approx. 8pm
Venue: The Churchill Arms, 119 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 7LN
Tel: 02077274242
www.churchillarmskensington.co.uk
6. St Patrick’s Eve Irish Open Mic Night
Where: Manchester
When: Wednesday, March 16
One for: Aspiring superstars
Headlined by Denise Morgan from RTE’s The Voice. Book a spot in advance or just turn up on the night – open to singers, musicians and comedians. It might be the start of a new career for you who knows?
Time: 8pm
Admission: free
Venue: Fred’s Ale House, 843 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, M19 3PW
Tel: 01612572484
www.fredsalehouse.com
www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk
See More: 2016, Events, Featured, St Patrick's Day
