One of the highlights of this years Saint Patrick's Day Parade was the Irish Centre’s very own entry into the parades line-up of floats.

Supported by ‘Awards for All’, the Irish Centre worked closely with two community artists from Leaf Arts, together with twenty young people from Newton Heath Youth Club, East Manchester.

Between them they produced a lively and colourful float, depicted here in the accompanying photographs, which snaked its way into the centre of Manchester and all the way back to the Irish World Heritage Centre.

The children themselves designed all of the costumes, some were then made by a professional costume maker. Others were designed and created by the children. The flamboyant dresses and the centrepiece of the float were inspired by the story of St. Patrick banishing the snakes from Ireland. Some of the children rode all the way to the Town Hall on scooters!

“This is a great opportunity for the children from the youth club to work with professional artists, and to design their very own costumes. I know they have thoroughly enjoyed it and have gained so much out of it,” said Sandra Whittaker, manager of Newton Heath Club. “I’ve never worn a dress before, but I think I could get used to it!!” said Jamie Rodgerson who played the part of Saint Patrick for the day.

The children will soon attend an awards ceremony where they will receive certificates acknowledging their hard work.

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