The influx of Irish-born immigrants to the Second City in the 1940s/50s, the world’s third-biggest St Patrick’s Day parade, or Cillian Murphy starring as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, Birmingham shares a deep connection with Ireland. Most recently, we’ve become home to the biggest celebration of Irish music and culture in the UK, Páirc Festival.
Heading into its third year, Páirc Festival promises a vibrant weekend of both Brummie and Irish talent when it returns to the New Irish Centre in Kings Heath on August bank holiday weekend (August 24 – 25). The two-day festival has handpicked multiple performances to celebrate the link – including world-renowned Riverdance and the legendary Bob Geldof.
Riverdance, known for its electrifying live music and mesmerising dance performances, will embark on a 30th-anniversary tour of its globally acclaimed theatrical show – starting at the Páirc Festival stage on Saturday. On Sunday, Bob Geldof, lead singer of The Boomtown Rats and co-founder of Live Aid, will perform all his hits, like ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and ‘Rat Trap’.
On top of the musical lineup, you can also check out the festival’s street food village, traditional Irish dancing, market stalls for local makers and Irish produce, outdoor bars, beer tents, and the Páirc Awards ceremony honouring exceptional contributions to the Irish community in Birmingham. Tickets for Páirc Festival start from £47.50 for an adult day ticket. You can get yours by heading here.
Páirc Festival lineup:
Saturday
● The Whistlin’ Donkeys: Bringing their unique spin on Irish folk music from County Tyrone.
● Mike Denver: Country music showman performing hits from his career and classic covers.
● All Folk’d Up: Returning with their eclectic mix of classic Irish sounds with a modern twist.
● Ruaile Buaile: Exciting band from Offaly known for their unique ‘twisted-trad’ songs.
● Kiera Dignam: Daughter of the late Christy Dignam, showcasing her powerful singer-songwriter talents.
● The BibleCode Sundays: London-based band fusing Celtic rock with Irish tradition.
Sunday:
● Nathan Carter: Ireland’s number one country music singer, returning for the third time.
● Boyzlife: Duo Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden performing hits from Boyzone and Westlife.
● Sharon Shannon, Frances Black & Mary Coughlan: Trio of legendary performers combining their talents for an intimate musical journey.
● The Tumbling Paddies: Rising stars known for their energetic live performances.
● George Murphy and the Rising Sons: Delivering dynamic performances with rich storytelling.
● Sean Magee: Award-winning multi-instrumentalist showcasing his exceptional skills.