York goes green! Irish Festival brings two days of music, dancing, food – and craic

Other cities celebrate St Patrick with a single night of stout drinking. Not York.

This city hosts a free, two-day celebration of Ireland, featuring music, dancing, family fun and food and drink.

The York Irish Association stages its third York Irish St Patrick’s Weekend Festival this Friday and Saturday (March 17-18).

As before, the celebrations centre on a marquee in St Sampson’s Square.

Chair of the York Irish Association Brendan Tannam said: “We are really excited to be hosting our third York Irish St Patrick’s Festival.

“It should be a great atmosphere especially with the festival starting on St Patrick’s day itself.”

Fun for all ages

The activities are all about celebrating and continuing to bring an understanding of Irish tradition and culture to York, bringing fun for all ages who have an interest in Irish culture and celebrating the unique connections between York and Ireland.

The Friday evening will start with an Irish dancing performance by St Aelred’s School of Irish Dance.

Throughout the evening there will be Irish music performances from the likes of Gaelstrom and 2 Bob. The Friday night will finish with a ceilidh with the New Fox Band.

On the Saturday the entertainment continues with performances from musicians such as The Flying Donkeys, Paula Ryan and Roisin Ban and a ceilidh with Fiddlers Wreck on the Saturday night.

There will also be a history of the Irish in York display. Traditional Irish food and drink will be provided in the marquee by the Three Cranes pub.

There’s face painting for kids and a raffle too.