Irish History Month, having taken its inspiration from Black History Month, is a pioneering venture 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 2009 will take place during Experience Ireland on Sunday 8th March: a one day free family-friendly event with 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 between 1pm and 5pm.
Guest speakers this year include Fabian Hamilton, MP for North East Leeds, Ciarán Byrne, Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Ireland, Sharon Williams, Director, Touchstone Mental Health, Gavin Freeborn, Cultural Partnerships, Leeds Metropolitan University Brendan McGowan, National Museum of Ireland, Galway.
The event culminates with an evening concert in Seven Arts Centre featuring Chicago based harpist, an album launch from County Cork singer guitarist Sabrina Piggott and a performance from the renowned Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman
We are delighted this year to be working closely with Leeds Metropolitan University who are organizing a series of events to celebrate Irish History Month under the Celtic Carnegie banner and the Leeds St. Patrick's Day Parade which takes place in Leeds City Centre on Sunday 15th March.
Throughout the month of March there are a number of concerts and recitals featuring local and national musicians and performers as well as schools workshops, exhibitions and literary events. For further details and a full programme of events see www.irishhistorymonth.com
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Note to Press: Irish History Month Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary company of the Irish Arts Foundation (Registered Charity 1101657).West Park Centre, Leeds LS16 5BE www.irisharts.org.uk
Irish History Month is supported by the Irish Government through the Díon grants.