The annual St Patrick’s Day parade returned to Manchester city centre last Sunday for the first time in four years.
The parade, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, is one of the longest-running in Europe and was the headline event of this year’s Manchester Irish Festival.
The parade was made up of over 30 floats and walking groups from local Irish groups and charities such as the Ward Mallinson School of Irish Dancing, St Brendan’s Gaelic football club and Irish Community Care Manchester (ICCM).
Departing from the Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill at midday, the parade walked two-and-a-half miles down Cheetham Hill Road – with a brief stop at St. Chad’s Roman Catholic Church – then passed the AO Arena to go down Deansgate to the finish line outside House of Fraser.
Manchester United stadium announcer Alan Keegan hosted the finishing podium and was joined by Lord Mayor Paul Anderson who addressed the crowds: “Today’s parade is a testament to the creativity and enthusiasm of Manchester’s Irish community and it was a spectacular sight.”
As part of the Irish Festival this month St Ann’s Square has been home to a pop-up village hosting live music, market stalls, charity partners such as ICCM, and, of course, plenty of Guinness.
Previously speaking to Mancunian Matters, a representative from ICCM said: “One in three of the Manchester population are either Irish or of Irish descent. The second and third generation still have support needs.
“We’re a big charity with a small team. We couldn’t do it without the support of [organisers] Dominic, Matt and others.”
Feature Image: Jessica McKeown
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