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Did you know that throughout the month of March every year, Irish History Month takes place? An initiative brought about by the Irish Arts Foundation, it is now in its fourth year. First celebrated in Leeds in 2007, this year sees the initiative 'go national' with events taking place in Sheffield, Leeds, Liverpool and London.

Irish History Month, a pioneering venture in Britain, exists to promote knowledge of Irish History and experiences in Britain and beyond, its purpose is to disseminate information on the many positive contributions that Irish people have made to British society and also to introduce new audiences to the vibrancy of Irish arts, heritage, culture and history.

So what's involved then? There is a programme of events to suit all tastes. The Official Launch of Irish History Month takes place on Thursday 4^th March at the prestigious new Leeds City Museum and is to be opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Andre Barker. Other guest speakers include Gerry Kelly, Embassy of Ireland, John Roles, Director, Leeds Museums & Galleries, Dinah Clark, Leeds Arts Partnership, Brendan McGowan, Galway City Museum, Irish History Month featured artist, Bernard Canavan and Collette Mackin, Artistic Director Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith.

Experience Ireland on Sunday 7th March a one, day free family-friendly event with lectures, workshops on music, dance and crafts, live traditional Irish music sessions and a range of exhibitions taking place at Seven Arts Centre and Chapel Allerton Library in Leeds between 1pm and 5pm. This year we are delighted to feature lectures from Bernard Canavan, And Dr Frank Sweeney who will talk about Irish migration to Britain. We are also pleased to feature flautist Niall Keegan and Bodhran player Mark Maguire who feature in the afternoon concert.

Other events to look out for in Leeds to look out for include a recital from Lucht Focail (people of the word) Poets, who bring an Irish dimension to the Headingley Literature Festival on Thursday 25th, an exhibition of art from County Longford artist Bernard Canavan in Seven Arts Centre in Chapel Allerton and the Grove Inn Folk Club In Holbeck Urban Village on 26th March where the club introduces a number of guest musicians and singers to celebrate Irish History Month. The eleventh Leeds St Patrick's Day Parade will take place in Leeds City Centre on Sunday 14^th March.

A number of Irish cultural groups across Britain are joining forces this year to ensure that March is the month that all things Irish are celebrated throughout Britain. The Irish are right to be proud of their achievements in this country, particularly in light of the fact that in many respects, many Irish people suffered distress and isolation here. That said however, it is also the case that over the years there were very many success stories, not only in terms of economic success in for example, the construction industry, but also in every other sphere of life and in particular, the arts.

To see the full range of events throughout the month in Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield & London please see www.irishhistorymonth.com.

Irish History Month is supported by the Irish Arts Foundation and the Irish Government through the Emigrant Services Fund.

Irish History Month is a wholly owned subsidiary company of the Irish Arts Foundation (Registered Charity 1101657).West Park Centre, Leeds LS16 5BE www.irisharts.org.uk.

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