Going Irish
I first came to Liverpool seven years ago to begin an Irish
Studies degree at Liverpool University.
So, when I moved into PR and was given my first major client - the
Liverpool Irish Festival - it was the perfect way to settle into
the job.
The festival, now in its sixth year, highlights the cultural
diversity of the city and encompasses music, theatre, poetry,
comedy and art.
Past musical highlights have included Van Morrison, The Dubliners,
Gilbert O'Sullivan and a personal favourite, The Divine Comedy.
Liverpool Irish Festival is just one of the clients I used to look
after in my previous job at Factory Communications. Since Paver
Smith took over the company last week, they have moved across with
us - the staff - and other clients such as ACC Liverpool and
Heathcotes.
It really is great for the organisations who were Factory's
clients to have the wider resources of Paver Smith - while still
maintaining the same key contacts and relationships made while at
Factory.
On a personal level, I am delighted to be continuing to promote -
as part of the festival PR - the renowned Institute of Irish
Studies, where I studied. They host many public lectures, talks and
educational events throughout both the festival and the year.
The links between the city and Ireland date back hundreds of years
with Liverpool being the first point of call for the majority of
emigrants fleeing the Irish Famine in the 1800s.
There is a unique Liverpool Irish identity and people are fiercely
proud of both aspects of their heritage.
Irish Language classes are growing in the city and traditional
music and dancing has a steady popularity.
Today, the nature of Irish emigration into the city has changed
with thousands of Irish students coming to Liverpool each year to
go to university. John Moores University men's Gaelic football
team won the British Championships this year as well.
This year, festival plans are bigger than ever with the city being
European Capital of Culture. One of the big highlights is the Three
Fellas night taking place at the Echo Arena- Ardal O'Hanlon,
Dylan Moran and Tommy Tiernan will all be performing stand up at
the show taking place in June.
Of course, as a hugely creative city, Liverpool offers us many
festivals and events to mark all aspects of the city's identity
and culture - but, for me, the Liverpool Irish Festival is truly
vital to the city's cultural programme this year, as well as in
the future.
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