This August Bank Holiday weekend Páirc Festival showcased performances from the biggest names and talent, including a surprise performance from Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood, who took to the stage to join Van Morrison and Chris Farlowe to headline Saturday at Páirc Festival.
The second edition of Páirc Festival welcomed 7,000 attendees daily for the biggest celebration of Irish music and culture in the UK, taking place in the outdoor grounds of the New Irish Centre in Kings Heath, acts included; Van Morrison, The Waterboys, Mary Black, Nathan Carter, The Fureys, The High Kings, Derek Ryan, All Folk’d Up, Ceol, Mary Coughlan, The Legend of Luke Kelly, and more.
Attendees were also treated to a surprise performance from legendary Ronnie Wood and Rock and Blues singer Chris Farlowe, who both joined Van Morrison’s headline performance on the Saturday of Páirc Festival.
Ciaran Healy, Páirc Festival co-owner, and the organising team said:
“We are so overwhelmed with the support we have received, it is amazing to see the community come together and celebrate music and culture. People travelled from far and wide to come to Páirc Festival and we are truly grateful for each and every one who bought a ticket and supported us.”
” We were excited to bring huge names like Van Morrison, The Waterboys, Mary Black, Nathan Carter, but when we heard the news about Ronnie Wood and Chris Farlowe joining Van Morriosn on stage it was a pinch yourself kind of moment.”
“It has been a massive pleasure to bring the best of Irish performances to Birmingham, the team have worked really hard, we will have a short rest, and then it is straight back to work to make 2024 even better.”
The much-anticipated celebration of Irish music and culture also confirmed the Birmingham St. Patrick’s Parade will return to Digbeth next year, following a four year hiatus.
Recognised as the third largest parade in the world, the much loved community event will take place on St. Patrick’s Day March 17th 2024. Under new custodianship with the Birmingham Irish Association the return of the Birmingham St. Patrick’s Parade will be supported by the launch of Páirc Festival at the Parade, more information available at paircfestival.com
Maurice Malone, coordinator of the Parade and CEO of Birmingham Irish Association said;
“The Birmingham St. Patricks Parade is a huge calendar event which holds a special place in the hearts of many. The Birmingham Irish Association look forward to relaunching the Parade, and are thrilled that it will fall on St Patrick’s Day itself.
We will be releasing more information as we move closer to the event which will be shared via social media and our website, and hope to see you all next year.”
This year Páirc supported two charities, following an anonymous donation from a local Birmingham Irish businessman, who passed over the opportunity to two deserving charities, Betel UK and the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, who joined on the day to fundraise and raise awareness.
Betel UK is an independent charity, supporting individuals facing addiction and homelessness. Betel UK had raised funds through donations and a wide range of non-profit businesses. The Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity supports 90,000 sick children, from across the UK, every year. The charity has been raising money for the iMRI Appeal, supporting the life-saving and transformative treatments to patients with a brain tumour or epilepsy.
Conor McGregor, MMA champion and owner of the award-winning Black Forge Inn pub in Dublin, also showcased the first ever Forged Irish Stout VIP Bar in the UK at Páirc Festival 2023. The first ever VIP Bar from Forged Irish Stout, that has previously been exclusive to the Black Forge Inn in Dublin, took pride of place in Páirc Festival VIP areas and served the famous creamy stout throughout the weekend.
Attendees also enjoyed a second traditional music stage, programmed in partnership with Birmingham Irish Association and the Birmingham Trad Fest, street food village, Irish dancing, market stalls celebrating local makers and traditional Irish produce.
Organisers have released a limited number of Loyalty Super Early Bird tickets priced at just £35 offering attendees a 70% saving, available online (https://paircfestival.com/buy-tickets/) subject to availability ends Sunday 3rd September midnight.