Manchester will stage a five day St Patrick’s weekend party to welcome in the feast day of its Patron Saint. The Fun starts on Friday night with the continuation of the two week guinness tradfest in Levenshulme. The Fabulous ‘Shake the Barley’ headline Friday night while Celtic Rock band ‘Shkyala’ headline Saturday. If its outdoor fun for the kids you are after then head over to Cringle Fields for the massive outdoor funfair and Fleadh. While over in the city centre a tented city has taken over Albert Square to host a massive indoor Irish community market.

The highlight of the festival takes place on Sunday when the whole of Manchester will converge on Albert Square to watch the Parade. Monday sees another fun filled evening for the children with the staging of a junior Gaelic Football session at the energy box.

Finaly on St Patrick’s feast day on Tuesday the live Irish music starts at 12 noon at the Union, don’t forget your instrument or dancing shoes. There is a freee drop of the back stuff for the over eighteen’s for all performers.

Then on St Patricks Eve M19 has Galway singer songwriter Noelie McDonnell flying in from America to headline the festivals St Pat’s night concert at M19.