Irish eyes are smiling at Manchester Town Hall

Children from 21 Manchester primary schools will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day at the Town Hall on 16 and 17 March, with a range of activities and entertainments inspired by the Emerald Isle.

Each of the two days begins at 9.30am with children trying their hands at a number of different Irish cultural traditions throughout the morning, specifically playing the fiddle, whistle, bodhran and guitar, dancing, singing and Celtic art.

The carousel of workshops will take the children around a number of different locations in Manchester's atmospheric, Victorian Town Hall, including the impressive Great Hall and Banqueting Hall.

The afternoon session starts at 1.25pm and features a traditional Irish Fleadh, incorporating dancing and singing with performances from visiting groups wearing traditional costume and from some of the skilled workshop leaders. The lively and atmospheric celebration will draw to a close around 2.45pm.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member for Children's Services at Manchester City Council said: "Historically the Irish community has had an important part to play in the development of this city. St Patrick's Day continues to be a significant day of celebration, not just for those of Irish descent but for many here who have a broader association with Ireland and its culture and the children love taking part in what has become something of a highlight in the school calendar each year."

The schools taking part are St Patrick's RC, St Edward's RC, Crumpsall Lane, Old Hall Drive, All Saints (Gorton), Crosslee Community Primary, St James' CE (Rusholme), St. Francis RC, St Chad's RC, St Mary's RC (Levenshulme), St John Bosco RC, Mount Carmel RC, St Dunstan's RC, St Catherine's RC, St Edmund's RC, St Ambrose RC, St James CE (Gorton), Sandilands, New Moston, St Margaret Mary's RC, and Saints John Fisher and Thomas More Catholic.

For more Manchester City Council information visit http://www.manchester.gov.uk/