THE MAIN EVENT

saint’s day. As well as the annual parade, which takes place this year on Sunday, there are lots of festivities planned across the weekend and beyond.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to line the streets to watch as the procession weaves its way through the city.

It sets off from the Irish World Heritage Centre just off Queen’s Road, Cheetham Hill, at noon and will finish at the corner of Deansgate and Liverpool Road at about 2pm.

The route takes it from Queen’s Road along Cheetham Hill Road and into the city centre via Trinity Way and Victoria Street.

From there, it passes along Deansgate before finishing at the junction with Liverpool Road.

The procession will be led by Irish wolfhound puppies Finn and Oisin, together with dignitaries and VIPs, followed by the flags of Ireland.

Connacht will be the leading province this year, and the Manchester Galway Association will also march up front in recognition of Galway’s European Capital of Culture status.

There’ll also be representatives from many of Ireland’s other provinces as well as Gaelic football clubs, dance groups, bands and businesses from across Manchester.

The parade forms the centrepiece of a programme of celebrations across the city and its suburbs.

Irish music, dancing and exhibitions will all be part of the fun taking place today, all weekend, and until St Patrick’s Day itself on Tuesday.

● For the full programme of Irish festival events and activities visit mcririshfestival.com and manchesteririshfestival.co.uk