Friday 11th March

Sculpture Hall, Manchester Town Hall

Health Fair

Time: 11am – 4pm
While you’re in Albert Square visiting the festival market, why not call in for a free health check

St Anne’s Square

The Island of Memories showcase

St Anne’s Square will this year play host to Tourism Ireland and their ‘The Island of Memories’ showcase. The Square will also feature a traditional Irish Shop, Irish Café and a covered area providing cultural and craft activities.

Sculpture Hall, Manchester Town Hall

Oral History Exhibition

Time: 11am - 4pm
This exhibition maps the lives of Irish people and their experience of migration to Manchester. Compiled by a group of Manchester students with the help of The Heritage Lottery Fund.

MEN Arena

Riverdance

Time: 8pm
Admission £29.50 - £32.00
TICKETMASTER on 0870 190 8000
( subject to booking fee)
The world famous Riverdance comes to Manchester. This will be the final visit to these shores by the original and the best Irish dance show, and also marks the tenth anniversary of Riverdance’s first UK performances.

Composed by Bill Whelan, Produced by Moya Doherty and Directed by John McColgan, the full-length show opened in February 1995 in the Point Theatre, Dublin, and has been experienced live by over 18 million people worldwide. There have been over 8,000 performances in over 250 venues worldwide, throughout 30 countries across 4 continents. In February 1997 the album won a Grammy Award as “Best Musical Show Album”. The worldwide television audience to date is in excess of 1.5 billion people.

Riverdance was described by the Irish Times as 'a remarkable and scintillating show which will linger in the memory long after the last tap has faded away. It is a celebration of Irish dance and culture, presented with sophistication and vibrancy.' The Hollywood Reporter acclaimed, 'the sort of spectacle and experience that comes along once in a lifetime. Something like Haley’s Comet, only rarer'.

This series of dates in 2005 represent the last chance for UK Riverdance fans old and new to experience a truly phenomenal piece of theatrical entertainment. Don’t miss out!

Union Music Lounge

Friday Night Irish Session

Launch night of Levenshulme Fleadh
with Pete Durkin & Kev Deisey

Time: 8pm

Admission: FREE

Two of Manchester's most renowned Irish musicians kick off the 'Levenshulme Fleadh' with a full on Irish session of traditional Irish music and craic. Guest musicians, singers and dancers are sure of an Irish welcome to join in the session.

Malmaison Hotel

Gaelic Dinner

Time: 6pm -11pm

£39 per person

0161 278 1000

Come down and enjoy a special Gaelic Dinner served in the luxurious surroundings of The Malmaison, accompanied by live music. The Malmaison Bar will also be serving special Irish themed cocktails throughout the festival.

Palace Levenshulme

Rory Gallagher 10th Anniversary
Tribute Concert

with 'Sinnerboy'

Doors Open 9pm, on stage 9.30pm
Admission: FREE

email ygg@levenshulme.com
to get on the free guest list

After their sell out concert during last years Levenshulme Festival in October, Europe's leading 'Rory Gallagher' tribute band return to launch the Manchester Irish Festival celebrations in Levenshulme.

This special concert will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the late Irish Blues Rock guitarist 'Rory Gallagher' who died in 1985. Admission is free to anyone who emails the festival at ygg@levenshulme.com
or contacts the venue on 0161 257 2484
with their name for the guest list.

A part of ‘Levenshulme Fleadh'

Sponsored by Guinness.

www.sinnerboy.co.uk

www.levenshulme.com

Conors Bar & Lounge

Kieran Cunningham

Time : 8pm
A regular attraction at Conors is the outstanding Newry singer and guitarist Kieran Cunningham.

Irish World Heritage Centre

Council of Irish Associations
Annual Dinner Dance

Time 7.30pm till late
Ticket only, £20 each
Entertainment by T.R. Dallas and Band
Contact Anne on 0161 434 8989
or Michael on 0161 203 4132

Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Book Launch ‘My Year in Chains’

Time: 7pm
The launch of former Mayor of Salford, Cllr Jim King’s book ‘My Year in Chains’. Entertainment provided by Me and Our Kid.
Compered by Fred Fielder from BBC GMR.

Dunicans Bar

Music by Smudge
Time: 8pm

Irish World Heritage Centre

Tony Sullivan

Time: 8pm

O’Sheas Irish Bar

Slap n’ Tickle

Time: 9pm – 1am

Admission: £2