The Manchester Irish Festival

9th-18th March 2001

Celebrating St Patrick

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: 11/3/01
Tel: 0161 205 4007
Time: Leaves 12 noon
This year’s St. Patrick’s Parade will be the highlight of the festivities which are being held in Manchester to celebrate all things Irish. The Manchester St. Patrick’s parade will be held on Sunday 11th March, 2001. The parade will depart from the Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill, at 12 noon.
This year over 60 floats will be taking part along with bands from all over Ireland and the UK.

The Parade Route:
The St. Patrick’s Parade will congregate along Queens Road (A6010) and then depart from the Irish World Heritage Centre at 12 noon. It will then turn left onto Cheetham Hill Road (A665) and proceed into Manchester, turning right into Corporation Street, along into Cross Street and finally arriving at Albert Square. The Lord Mayor will greet the parade at the Town Hall Steps at 1pm. The parade will take the same route back to the Irish World Heritage Centre.

Look out for: 60 floats, police horses, ‘open-top’ buses, pony & traps, brass bands, pipe bands, samba bands, classic cars, and much much more.

We are grateful for the support of Irish Ferries who are sponsors of the parade.

Irish Festival Craft & Gift Market
Venue: Manchester Town Hall
Date: 9th, 10th and 11th March
Tel: 0161 234 7357
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Details: One of the busiest and most popular features of the Festival, the Irish Festival Market is back in 2001 – bigger and better than ever. For three days, Albert Square in Manchester is transformed into a little piece of Ireland. You could be in a market in Cork, Wexford or Dublin – blink and you realise that it’s City Centre Manchester!

Small traders and craftspeople will be crossing the water to offer a wide range of hand-made objects, delicious food and all manner oftreats. Look out for fabulous Irish cheeses and preserves, confectionery, soda breads and cakes. Also fine jewellery, pottery, knitwear, music, books and gifts. There will be some old favourites from previous years and new things to delight the discerning shopper.

We are grateful for the sponsorship of Stena Line, Jury’s Inn Manchester and Manchester Markets – the sponsors of the Festival Market.

Gaelic Mass
Venue: Irish World Heritage Centre
Date: 11/3/01
Tel: 0161 205 4007
Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
Details: An annual tradition and a very special way of honouring St. Patrick to be celebrated by Fr. John Ahern P.P.

County Association Dinner
Venue: Irish World Heritage Centre
Date: 9/3/01
Tel: 0161 434 8989 / 0161 881 1255
Price: Advance Ticket Only
Time: 8.00pm – late
Details: A night for bringing all the Irish community together for a great Irish Festival celebration. Guest speaker Seamus McGary Chair of Federation of Irish Societies