The London Irish Centre in Camden Town is warming up for a big day of celebration this St. Patrick’s Day. The Centre, which runs Irish events throughout the year, will run a full day of Irish community and cultural activities this March 17th, which will include dance, music and arts events.
‘Over the past few years, we’ve decided to stay committed to the day itself, the 17th, irrespective of the day of the week it falls on. Many London venues choose to run events on the nearest weekend, but the message that we received from the community around the Centre is that St. Patrick’s Day means St. Patrick’s DAY, and they’d like to celebrate on the 17th’ Gary Dunne, Director of Arts.
From 1pm, there will be a very special St. Patrick’s Day Afternoon Dance and Bacon and Cabbage Lunch in the main room, with live music from Mustang. Every year, hundreds of older Irish people travel from all over London for this festive event. Tickets are £10 and are available from the Centre or on its website. In the evening there are a number of community events happening at the Centre.
From 5pm there will traditional sessions in the front bar. At 7pm, a very special exhibition called ‘London Irish’ will be opened. This exhibition features photographic portraits of the Irish in London by Irish photographer Kim Cunningham.
From 8pm, there will be a Country & Irish concert with the legendary Brendan Quinn & Band in the main room. In the second room there’ll be set dancing with resident set dancing tutor, Geoff Holland. Also happening on the 17th will be a community theatre performance from company in residence ‘Whispering Beasts’, who are currently running workshops at the Centre in preparation for this day. Also in London that night, for those who want a huge night out, the brilliant Damien Dempsey is playing Shepherds’s Bush Empire. The Dublin songwriter is donating £1.50 from every ticket sold to the London Irish Centre’s welfare work.
Whatever your taste – theatre, visual arts, dancing, trad or just soaking up the Irish spirit, the Centre has events for you.
E: info@nulllondonirishcentre.org T: 020 7916 2222 W: londonirishcentre.org
