The Manchester Irish Festival: 4th - 20th March 2005
Home Page | 2005 Main Page | Venues | Email
Saturday 12th March
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.
Irish World Heritage Centre
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.:
Manchester Town Hall
National Irish Studies Conference
Time: 9.30 am.- 4.00 pm.
Admission £10
Speakers
Frank Nugent -“South Aris”- his re-enactment of Shackleton’s Epic Voyage across the Southern Ocean.
Joe Bradley – Celtic Mind – the history of the Irish dimension of Celtic football club
David McGuiness – St. Patrick – the historical tradition and the archaeological reality.
Fergus O Connor – Derek Hill and the painters of Tory Island, Donegal.
Eamonn Coleman – the works of poet Louis McNiece
This is a community not for profit event and the £10 fee covers speakers expenses, hire of equipment, publicity and teas/coffee.
Booking: Contact Walter Cassin 0161 445 9327
or e-mail j.flynn@manchester.gov.uk
Britannia Hotel
Irish Property Exhibition
Time: 11am – 5pm
Connor Estates based in Ballina, Co Mayo and covering the Mayo/Sligo areas will be hosting an Irish property exhibition. All are welcome. www.connorestates.com
Sculpture Hall, Manchester Town Hall
Health Fair
Time 11am – 4pm
While you’re in Albert Sq visiting the festival market, why not call in for a free health check
Turn Moss, Stretford
University GAA Railway Cup
Semi-Finals
Time 1pm Ladies Semi Finals
2.30pm Mens Semi Finals
Scotland v North East
Scotland v Wales
London v North West
London v North
Apollo, Ardwick Green
The Saw Doctors
Time: 8pm
All the way from Tuam, the Saw Doctors need no introduction to their thousands of Irish Mancunian supporters. If you haven’t yet heard the lads this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Pack Horse, Levenshulme
Traditional Irish Night
with 'Whiskey in the Jar'
Time: 8pm
Admission: Free
One of Manchester's favourite Irish folk bands host this special lively evening of traditional Irish Music and Song. Expect to hear everything from 'Whiskey in the Jar' to traditional jigs & reels.
A part of the ‘Levenshulme Fleadh’
MEN Arena
Riverdance
Time: 2.30pm and 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!v
St Kentigern's Social Club
The Fermanagh Dance
in aid of the Tsunami Appeal.
( with special guests )
Palace Levenshulme>
U2 tribute night
with 'Achtung-baby'
Doors Open 9pm, Band on stage 9.30pm
Admission £4 Pay on the Door
One of the world's leading tribute acts and winner of BBC 1's best tribute act and ITV's Stars in Your Eyes, Achtung Baby have toured all over Europe with the tribute to the chart topping 'U2'.
A Celtic Rock club night 'Sham Rock n Roll' with DJ David H follows the live music until the early hours.
A part of ‘Levenshulme Fleadh'
Sponsored by WKD
The Irish Association Social Club
Sharon, Aiden and The Strangers
Time: 8pm
English Martyrs Parish Centre
Fundraising Dance
to take sick people to Lourdes
Time 8pm
Admission £3 members - £3.50 non members
Organised by Brian Kane of
Our Lady Church Stockport.
Music by Mark Byrne & Woodstock and a visit from Castlerea Brass & Reed band. Co. Roscommon
Call 0161 226 1107 for further information
Waxy O’Connors
Galaxy 102 FM’s Irish Alan
Time: 9pm – 2am
Conors Bar & Lounge
The Long Road
Time: 8pm
An exciting traditional band new to the circuit, with refreshing Irish sounds from John Joyce and Fergal O’Neil
Dunicans Bar
(The Great Western)
Music by Moonshiners
Time: 8pm
Manchester Town Hall
Feis
This is an open feis with all dancers welcome organised by Lancashire Celtic Cross Feis in conjunction with The 10th Manchester Irish Festival
O’Sheas Irish Bar
Green Hot Clover
Time: 9pm – 1am
Admission £2
G.H.C. are one of the youngest and most enthusiastic bands on the circuit. Combine this with their doubtless talent and you have a great band playing great Irish music.