The festival celebrates contemporary Irish culture, but doesn't take itself too seriously

The 11-day Manchester Irish Festival is now in its ninth year and is a celebration of Irish music, comedy, drama, dance, film, language and food and drink

Central to the celebrations will be the city centre parade next Sunday.

Dozens of floats will take part in the parade, which stretches for about a mile and tens of thousands of people are expected to line the streets.

For the first time Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will attend the parade.

"This is the ninth year of the festival and it really has gone from strength to strength each year, now being the largest Irish festival in the United Kingdom and indeed one of the largest in the entire world," he said.

"The ongoing scale and success of the festival bears testament to the tireless efforts of the Irish community in Manchester.

"I look forward to being part of it this year."

Craic agus ceol

Amongst this year's other highlights are an Irish Market at Albert Square from 11 March, with handicrafts, clothing and Irish delicacies.

Music and comedy are central to the event each year, and this year highlights include a performance by the legendary Toss the Feathers at the Levenshulme Palace next Saturday.

The original line-up of the Celtic Rock group has been reunited for the special gig.

Irish comedian Brendan O'Carroll's play Mrs Brown's Last Wedding is playing at the Opera House until 20 March.