The Mansfield and Dukeries Irish Association is holding its St Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Forest Town Arena on Saturday, 17th March.

The festivities start in the afternoon and will culminate in the evening with local groups of musicians and Irish singer Paddy O’Brien performing traditional and contemporary Irish songs, ballads, laments and jigs.

He will include a tribute to the late Joe Dolan, who was a celebrated Irish act.

Irish dancers from the Gallagher O’Connor Irish Dance Academy will perform ahead of their forthcoming competitions.

The whole of the arena will be open for the event that is open to all.

The association arranges a luncheon club for the over 60s and a series of events, such as ceilidh dances, Irish history seminars, language lessons etc.

The club is held at the Nags Head, Pleasley, every two weeks on a Tuesday and is open to new members. The club holds trips to the seaside and to other Irish clubs.

The Embassy of Ireland has supported the association.