IRISH music, dancing and food will be at the heart of this year’s St Patrick’s Weekend Festival in the centre of York.

The line-up has been announced for two days of celebrations, being staged in St Sampson’s Square by the York Irish Association.

The festivities will kick off on Friday, March 16 at 5pm, lasting until 10.30pm on Saturday, March 17 - St Patrick’s Day itself.

Brendan Tannam, chairman of the York Irish Association said “We are really excited to be hosting what is now our fourth York Irish St. Patrick’s Festival.

“It should be a great atmosphere especially with St. Patrick’s day itself falling on the Saturday this year.

“We look forward to giving the famous Irish welcome to the crowds again this year”

The Friday evening will start with a music from Gaelstrom followed by an Irish dancing performance by St.Aelred’s School of Irish Dance. More Irish music will follow from the likes of Damien Fynes, and the night will finish with a ceilidh with Fiddlers Wreck.

On the Saturday the entertainment starts again at 11am with a performance from young folk group Folkestra, more music from Roisin Ban, Gemma Irving and 2 Bob, an Irish dancing performance with the O’Connor Academy of Irish Dance, a ceilidh with Gaelstrom and finishing on Saturday night with a performance from Dublin duo, the Flying Donkeys.

There will also be displays on the history of the Irish in York, a Gaelic football demonstration and traditional Irish food and drink.

The whole event is free to attend, there will be children’s facepainting and a raffle.

Organisers say the activities have been organised to celebrate and bring an understanding of Irish tradition and culture to York, as well as fun and enjoyment for people of all ages and a chance to celebrate the unique connections between York and Ireland.