Green is clearly associated with St Patrick and all things Irish. But it is also associated with envy, which is what many cities may feel about Birmingham’s’ fantastic event. However we would never wish to draw comparisons with deadly sins and the most popular patron saint in the universe. St Patrick is many things to many people and our festival is an opportunity to try and represent that diversity.
As with all events there has to be a start and though many believe it is when the space age exterior of Selfridges turns green, our festivals’ official launch is in fact at The Paragon Hotel on Friday 13th March. The launch is an opportunity for us to bring together in an informal but salubrious setting many of those who are the heart, soul and fibre of the parade; performers, volunteers, past committee members, sponsors and most importantly individuals from the community.
For many however the unofficial launch is with the first public performances which take place on Saturday 14th March in the Bullring and also on the 3rd floor of Selfridges. Essentially it is a condensed showcase of what is to come: marching bands, dancers, traditional and contemporary musicians and some exotic twists. It is however a calm before the storm.
Sunday 15th march – parade day- starts for some in a sincerely religious manner with a traditional mass. Parade does not discriminate however and many of our more secular supporters take alternative spiritual fulfilment in many of the local hostelries. At MIDDAY: STORM BREAKS.
The 2009 parade promises all the thrill of previous years – with a marathon procession of marching bands, floats, walking groups, dancers, convoys, idiosyncrasies and an epic (possibly record breaking) gathering of vintage Ferguson tractors organised by parade legend Willie Finnegan. If the walls of Jericho happened to find themselves in Birmingham for the day – they would surely crumble to dust. As the parade finishes we are considering (as we go to press), to organise a mass singing of Molly Malone (who knows a grand slam or triple crown may be in the bag by then) – we’ll see.
UNLIKE PREVIOUS YEARS HOWEVER WHEN THE PARADE IS OVER THE ENTERTAINMENT HAS FAR FROM FINISHED. Take a wander over to the Emerald Village which for the first time is situated at the CUSTARD FACTORY on Gibb st (between South Birmingham College and the Old Crown). Be amazed by the array of FAMILY entertainment we have organised – from graffiti battles to World champion freestyle footballers. Or for those that like their fun a little louder and larger check out ST PatROCKS - the outdoor stage on Bradford st (behind the Irish Centre) which will feature blistering performances from the likes of The Destroyers, Scarlet Harlots and Neck . Of course most of the local pubs will also be the source of great Craic and many have their own unique interpretation of how to Irish things up a little. South Birmingham College will be as popular a destination as any on parade day, providing as ever a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families, adults and youth alike with a really extensive array of eclectic entertainment.
Festival is not over though. Do not miss the exceptional Ultan Cowley show; ‘The Craic was good in Cricklewood’ free of charge at the Irish Club 8pm on Monday 16th March or the return of spellbinding storyteller Claire Muireann Murphy free of charge at the Paragon 7.30pm on the big day itself Tuesday 17th March.
ENJOY
Come and join us on Friday 11th December at the wonderful newly refurbished Irish Centre for an excellent night of fun, food and dancing. Enjoy a fabulous curry and soak up the party atmosphere whilst Caidre get you in the mood with some traditional Irish Music before letting loose on the dancefloor to the fantastic disco.
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