Nottingham Irish Studies Group will present the following events as part of Nottingham’s annual Irish Festival. All welcome: Fáilte.

Michael Collins: ‘The Big Fellow’. Historical talk by Pat Murphy on the great political leader of the War of Independence; Thurs 8 March, 7.30 - 9pm, Nottingham Irish Centre. £2 on the door.

Eavan Boland’s Famine Poems. Boland, one of Ireland’s finest writers, has written several times on the Irish Famine. We will read and discuss a selection of her poems on that topic. Fri 9 March, 2 - 3pm, Angel Row Library. Free. All welcome. No prior knowledge needed; all materials provided free on the day.

St Patrick: The man, the myth, the marches. Deirdre O’Byrne asks: how much we actually know about Patrick? Where was he from? What was his real name? Was he a saint? Find out more on Thurs 15 March, 7.30 - 9pm, Nottingham Irish Centre. £2 on the door.

Irish Storytelling for children. Irish tales of long ago, to the background of an exhibition of Irish art. Just like the way to the homes of the Little People, the entrance to the venue is hidden. If your Irish eyes are smiling, they will spot us on the boreen next to The Works, near the Council House. Watch out for street performers showing the way. Children get pictures to take away and colour. Sat 17 March, 1.30- 2pm, and 3 – 3.30pm, at ‘Forty Shades of Green', 14a Smithy Row, Nottingham NG1 2DH. Free. All welcome.

'Have a Go @ Gaeilge'. If you want to learn 'cúpla focal' (a few words) or polish up your rusty ones from long ago, join us for a fun, informal taster session at the Irish Centre 17th March, 4-5pm. Order a pint in Irish. Learn the Irish for 'Happy St Patrick's Day'. All welcome.

March 8th – Michael Collins: ‘The Big Fellow’. Historical talk by Pat Murphy 7.30-9pm, Nottingham Irish Centre. NISG Event.

March 9th –  Eavan Boland’s Famine Poems. Reading and discussion 2-3pm, Angel Row Library. Free. NISG Event.

March 10th – The Dubliners are at The Royal Concert Hall

March 10th –  Jimmy Cricket Laughter Show: Irish 'music hall' and 'vaudeville' entertainer suitable for all the family + Irish Dancers. The Jokers Club, Annesley Lane, Selston. NG16 6AG. Tickets £3 (only in advance - Book early!) Box Office 01773813068.

March 15th – St Patrick: The man, the myth, the marches. Talk by Deirdre O’Byrne, 7.30-9pm, Nottingham Irish Centre. NISG Event.

March 15th – Noel Cassidy on tour from Ireland. Hear this fantastic singer at Keoghs Irish Bar.

March 16th – DJ Ged Dowling Playing Irish music at Keoghs Irish Bar to get you warmed up for Paddy's Day.

March 16th – Nottingham Irish Golf Society: St Patrick's Day Golf tournament- visitors welcome. Tee off 11am at Ruddington Grange Golf Club.

March 17th – St Patrick's Day Celebrations

• Parade down Mansfield Rd to Market Square led by representatives from the County of Westmeath.
• Afternoon concert in Market Square – featuring Na Fiánna.
  

March 17th – Irish Storytelling for children. Children get pictures to take away and colour. 1.30- 2pm, and 3 – 3.30pm, at ‘Forty Shades of Green', 14a Smithy Row, Nottingham NG1 2DH. Free. All welcome. NISG Event.

March 17th – 'Have a Go @ Gaeilge'. Learn 'cúpla focal' (a few words) or polish up your rusty ones at an informal taster session at the Irish Centre, 4-5pm. All welcome. NISG Event.

March 17th – Durty Linen at the Irish Centre in Wilford Street.

March 17th – Greyfriars Club St. Patrick's Day Dance. Music from Eamon McCann. Tickets are £10 in advance (now on sale). Smart dress, no admission after 10.00 p.m., doors open 8.00 p.m.

March 17th – 'Na Fianna' live and direct from Ireland at The Manor Club, Manners Road, Ilkeston, DE7 8AT. Concert, hot buffet & late bar - Tickets £15 in advance (0115 9305027) or on the door.

March 17th – An evening of celtic music at the Rescue Rooms in Nottingham – Seven Little Sisters, Band From County Hell, Greenman Rising & Quiet Loner. Tickets are available from the venue or from the online box office. Live music must finish by 9.50pm so doors are open at 6pm with Quiet Loner taking to the stage at 6.20pm.

March 17th – Rugby: England v Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, London. Kick-off 17:00. TV viewing at many venues around Nottingham.

March 17th – Irish crime comedy The Guard is showing at the Broadway Cinema.

March 17th – DJ Ged Dowling playing Irish music 1pm till close. The Bell Inn, Old Market Square, Nottingham.

March 17th – Keoghs Irish Bar: Traditional Irish music all day with Anthony Docherty & Theresa Coleman and Friends. Irish Rugby Shown on the Big screen plus drinks offers and give a-ways.

March 18th – Finish off the weekend with Live Irish Music with Anthony Docherty, Theresa Coleman, Declan Greaney & Eddie O'Donnell. Keoghs Irish Bar.

March 19th – Tommy Fleming is at The Royal Concert Hall

If you have any St. Patrick's related events, please let us know and we will list them here.

11.30 to 12.30 Lively opening by Na Fiánna as the parade prepares and leaves The Forest

12.30 to 13.00 Civic greetings

13.00 to 13.20 McManus Dancers 

13.20 to 13.35 Trinity Showband - from the Band Stand on the Fountain area

13.35 to 13.55 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann (Nottingham Branch)

13.55 to 14.05 St. Barnabas Gaelic Athletic Association: Cups, speech and rally

14.05 to 14.25 Nottingham Set Dancers

14.25 to 14.45 Glendarragh Dancers

14.45 to 15.00 Tartanaires Showband from the Band Stand

15.00 to 16.30 Na Fiánna

Gerry Molumby MC